WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) 鈥 Spain star Alexis Putellas quit training on Monday, raising doubts she will be fit to play against Costa Rica in their opening match at the Women鈥檚 World Cup on Friday.
The two-time Ballon d鈥橭r winner has played only six matches as a substitute for Barcelona since April when she returned after a 10-month layoff with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee.
Putellas started in two of Spain鈥檚 World Cup warmup matches, against Panama and Denmark, but missed the match against Vietnam in New Zealand last week.
She left Spain鈥檚 training run at Massey University near Palmerston North after only 30 minutes on Monday during which she took part in passing drills and seemed comfortable. A Spain team spokesperson said her early departure was planned.
Midfielder Irene Guerrero spoke to the media at the end of training and said she hoped Putellas would be fit to play Friday at Wellington鈥檚 Sky Stadium.
鈥淭he most important thing is she feels OK,鈥 Guerrero said. 鈥淲e are happy to have her because she鈥檚 a key player on and off the pitch.
鈥淪he鈥檚 training really hard to reach the game with the best feeling. She鈥檚 a key player, as are all the other 22 players. We are all important. All the team is important.鈥
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