The European Football Championship kicks off this week - but the Spanish national team may be left without one of its key players.

Midfielder Alexia Putellas, who made her senior national team debut in 2013 but plays in Barcelona on a daily basis, has sprained her left knee in training.

According to the club, the 28-year-old will undergo medical examinations next, to determine how extensive the injury is.

The team plays its first match on Friday, when it meets Finland.

Putellas was awarded the Ballon d'Or in 2021.

CLIP: Lionel Messi and Alexia Putellas receive prestigious Ballon D'Or (November 30, 2021)

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Lionel Messi and Alexia Putellas receive the prestigious Ballon d'Or.

Photo: TT