The Spanish star player Aitana Bonmatí was discharged from the hospital on Sunday, according to the Spanish football association. The FC Barcelona midfielder was admitted on Friday with meningitis.
Bonmatí will join the national team sometime in the coming days. It is not clear in what condition she left the hospital. Bonmatí says on X that everything is fine. “Thanks to everyone who helped me and sent messages. I hope to be back soon.”
On Friday, Bonmatí announced on her own social media that she had been admitted to the hospital. A photo shows her on an IV drip. National coach Montse Tomé then said after the exhibition match against Japan (3-1 victory) that she has viral encephalitis. That is the less serious variant of the disease that usually does not require treatment.
Bonmatí’s return follows four days before Spain’s first group match at the European Championship in Switzerland. The Spaniards start the European Championship on Thursday with a match against Portugal.
Bonmatí is an important force for Spain, which is the big favorite for the European title. The 27-year-old midfielder from FC Barcelona was named World Footballer of the Year for the past two years. With Spain, she won the world title two years ago and the Nations League last year.
In addition to Portugal, Belgium and Italy are Spain’s opponents in the group stage of the European Championship. The Spaniards have never been European champions. So far, a place in the semi-finals (1997) is Spain’s best European Championship performance.