The big question mark over Alexia Putellas' return to Barça action
The midfielder is training again and closing in on a return to football
It is a key week for FC Barcelona women's team. The Blaugrana can qualify for their fourth UEFA Women's Champions League final in five years on Thursday and become league champions on Sunday if they beat Sporting Huelva at the Johan Cruyff Stadium. The reserve team can also do the same if they take all three points at the bottom side CD Juan Grande.
In addition to all this euphoria, there has been speculation and reports in various media about the possible return of Alexia Putellas for the second leg of the semi-final against Chelsea. According to SPORT, for now, it is unlikely that the captain will be able to play on Thursday, although it is expected that a decision will be made on Tuesday.
It is true that the midfielder's feelings are good and she could feel ready to have a few token minutes depending on the result of the tie and thus say goodbye to Spotify Camp Nou this season (Barça will move to Montjuic next year).
Timeline
However, the player from Mollet only completed her first full training session with the group last week, before travelling to London. And, although her recovery has gone faster than initially expected, the club believe that, to minimise the risk of a relapse, she will still need a few more weeks to fully enter the dynamic and be able to have continuity.
"The important thing is that she returns in the best possible way and it doesn't make sense for us to put pressure on her before a match as important as this one. It's not the time to talk about it today and we'll see how we go into the return leg," said Jonatan Giráldez ahead of the game at Stamford Bridge.
Countdown
Everyone -- coaching staff, teammates, club and fans -- want her to return as soon as possible. But no one wants to force her return after almost 10 months out.
There is time for Alexia to have minutes before a hypothetical Champions League final or the World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. After this week there are still four league games left. And the best news is that, whenever it is, her return is closer than ever.
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