Barcelona's Aitana Bonmati continues to struggle with injuries after fresh setback

Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmati has suffered a fresh injury setback just days after being declared fit by the club’s medical staff, further delaying the start of her 2022/23 campaign.

Bonmati made 39 appearances in all competitions for Barça last season as the club secured another domestic double and returned to the Champions League final. She was then also a near ever-present for Spain at Euro 2022, missing only 12 minutes across La Roja's four matches, before swiftly returning to club duty in the summer for pre-season after only a short rest.

The 24-year-old, who has become one of the best midfielders in the world in recent seasons, suffered a calf strain in her right leg in early August, a recurring problem that had previously ruled out her out of action in January.

Bonmati completed her recovery and was back in training two days before the club were due to begin the defence of their Primera Division title against Granadilla. But she was absent from the squad and the club has now confirmed a new complaint of discomfort in her right thigh.

No timeframe has yet been set for her recovery, with medical staff to monitor the problem.

It is a significant blow for Barça to be continue to be without such an influential player, especially with captain Alexia Putellas already out for the long-term after an ACL injury on the eve of Euro 2022. However, world record signing Keira Walsh did at least make her debut at the weekend.

The England international completed a transfer worth up to €470,000 earlier this month and played the first 72 minutes of the 2-0 win over Granadilla – Geyse and Caroline Graham Hansen scored.

“I have to settle in and find my feet a bit and get more confidence. I enjoyed the game and the girls have been really helpful to help me settle in,” Walsh said afterwards.

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