Barcelona and Spain star hospitalised days before Euro 2025

Spain's midfielder sensation Aitana Bonmati has been hospitalised with viral meningitis, casting a shadow over her participation in the upcoming Euro 2025.

The 27 year old, who plays for Barcelona and is a back-to-back Ballon d'Or winner, was notably missing from Spain's recent 3-1 victory against Japan in a friendly encounter.

From her hospital bed, Bonmati shared on Instagram an image of her watching her teammates in action, the match having taken place in Leganes, Spain.

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With Euro 2025 starting on Wednesday, the title holders Spain are slated to kick off their tournament against Portugal in Bern the following day.

Montse Tome, at the helm of the Spanish national team, spoke to the media: "Initially all the tests came back fine but the last one confirmed she has viral meningitis."

She provided a reassuring update despite concerns: "The word is scary but the doctor tells me it's under control. She will remain hospitalised; we don't know the timeline of her recovery."

Emphasising Bonmati's value to the team, Tome declared: "She's an extremely important player for us and we will wait for her, no matter what, as long as we have to."

As a pivotal figure in Spain's triumphant campaigns at both the 2023 World Cup, where they defeated England in the final, and the 2024 Nations League, Bonmati's health and return are of significant interest.