Spain were reassuring on Tuesday, four days before their first World Cup match, about the form of their star Alexia Putellas, saying there were plans to cut short Monday’s training session. the player seriously injured in the knee last year.

The 29-year-old playmaker left training after 20 minutes, shocking the 200 fans who came to see the La Roja footballers four days before their first group game against Costa Rica in New Zealand.

But sources within the team said on Tuesday the early departure was planned.

The state of health of Alexia Putellas, back on the field in April after several months of absence due to a rupture of the cruciate ligaments last summer, raises many questions, but the first player double Ballon d’ Gold (2021, 2022) remains the hope of the Spanish selection for the World Cup.

“If (she) is here, it’s because she’s fine. She’s a great player, an important player and I’m sure she’ll help us a lot in this World Cup,” said her selection and club teammate at FC Barcelona Aitana Bonmatti.

Due to her injury, Alexia Putellas could not participate in Euro 2022. Her teammates lost 2-1 in the quarterfinals against England.