Guijarro: ‘Putellas will be key in Spain's Euro Run despite injury’

Putellas' absence is a huge blow for Spain, with the 28-year-old considered one of the best players in the women's game. However, Putellas' Barca teammate, Guijarro says Putellas simply being present will give

a boost. She said at a media conference:

"We are not going to deny that yesterday it was a really hard day.

"It hit us, because we know that Alexia is fundamental inside of the pitch, as is shown, but also outside of it.

"Obviously we will be very close to cheer her up, to give her energy, to motivate her in any sense, but she has been the first one motivating us.

"She was here today and will be present in our first match. This will give us even more energy to compete and to win.

"Regarding the roles, as [fellow forward] Mariona [Caldentey] said, we all have to accept our responsibility to try to replace her between all of us, all the good things that she makes, with a plus from everyone."

enjoyed a global reputation with Spain's junior national sides, having won UEFA Women's U-17 Euros in 2010 and 2011, and coming second in the 2012 UEFA Women's U-19 Euro. She made her senior national team debut in 2012 and has since competed in three major international tournaments with the squad, including Spain's Women's World Cup start in 2015, the 2017 UEFA Women's Euro, and the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup. She also has been named the best female European player for the 2020-2021 season.

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