The start of the Women's Euro 2025 has been thrown into chaos with the announcement that one of the tournament's star players has been diagnosed with viral meningitis.
Euro 2025 will be held in Switzerland, with Spain, England and France among the favourites to lift the trophy.
Sarina Wiegman's Lionesses are looking to retain the title they won in 2021, though have had some disrupted preparation ahead of the tournament.
Goalkeeper Mary Earps retired from international football weeks prior to the squad being selected, while key defender Millie Bright made herself unavailable for personal reasons.
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But while Wiegman's final squad is now signed and sealed, their main rivals Spain have been dealt a hammer blow just days before their opening fixture.
Star midfielder Aitana Bonmati is suffering with viral meningitis, it has been announced, having been admitted to hospital on Friday.
The reigning Ballon d'Or winner is the best women's player in the world right now, having scored 16 goals from midfield in all competitions this season as Barcelona easily won the La Liga title and reached the Champions League final, losing to Arsenal.
The 27-year-old also has 30 goals to her name for Spain in 78 appearances, and is a vital component of the national side.
Speaking on Friday, Spain boss Montse Tome said: "Aitana was feverish the previous night, the next day she did not get better.
"She was tired. We let her rest and then this morning the doctor took her to run some tests. At first the tests came back normal but the last test - and, by the way, she has authorised me to talk about this - shows that she has viral meningitis.
"She is under medical supervision. I know that this is an alarming situation but the doctor is telling me that she is being taken care of, she is in the hospital, we do not know for how long, but she wanted me to communicate the situation with you all. This is all I can share at this time."
Spain play their first Euro 2025 fixture against Portugal on July 3, and will no doubt be preparing for Bonmati to miss the match.
Viral meningitis is one of the two main types of meningitis, which is where the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord become inflamed.
It is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis, with the NHS website stating that it tends to 'get better on its own within 7 to 10 days'.
Symptoms of meningitis include a high temperature, headache, vomiting, drowsiness and light sensitivity.
Topics: Womens Football, Barcelona, Spain
Ryan Smart