Spanish international midfielder Tere Abelleira has suffered a severe injury, officially ruled out for the rest of the season, including the upcoming Euro 2025, after sustaining damage to her left knee.
Details emerged following the devastating news from her club, Real Madrid. Abelleira, who previously played for Deportivo de La Coruña before joining Real Madrid in 2020, is said to have torn her anterior cruciate ligament and damaged her external meniscus during training with the national team at Wembley.
The injury occurred just days before the highly anticipated match against England, where Spanish fans had high hopes for the team’s performance. Images released of Abelleira on crutches prior to the game ignited concerns about her condition. At only 25 years old, her absence is felt not just within her club but also on the national stage.
Reported earlier today, the club confirmed, “After conducting tests on Teresa Abelleira by the Medical Services of Real Madrid, she has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament and the external meniscus of the left knee. Our player will undergo surgery in the coming days.”
The ramifications of this injury are immense for both Abelleira and the teams she plays for. Not only will she miss the conclusion of La Liga, where Real Madrid sits second, but she also won't be able to compete for the Copa del Rey as the team approaches the semifinals. On the European front, her absence will be felt during the quarterfinals of the Women’s Champions League against Arsenal.
Abelleira has been identified as one of the pivotal players for the Spanish national team, contributing significantly to their style of play. The Euro 2025, scheduled to take place from July 2 to July 27, will also be missing her talent. Spain’s coach, Montse Tomé, had counted on her experience as the team aims for European glory.
Initially, Abelleira played 82 minutes against Belgium, delivering a solid performance. Subsequently, she was substituted, presumably to recover from what appeared to be tiredness rather than the injury. The alarming news came with the announcement of her requiring crutches on match day against England, sending shockwaves through the sporting community.
This injury not only poses potential challenges for the future of Abelleira but also raises questions about player management and injury prevention at elite levels. Infamously, knee injuries such as this one often require significant recovery time, typically between eight and twelve months, effectively sidelining athletes through pre-seasons and early competitive matches.
The atmosphere within the Spanish camp is mixed; on one hand, facing the reality of competing without one of their key figures, but on the other hand, they are also motivated to honor her potential absence by rallying as a team. The national team’s recent defeat against England, losing 1-0 with Jessa Park scoring the decisive goal, highlights the pressure the squad now faces without Abelleira’s support.
Abelleira’s loss mirrors the sidelining of other players, including Rocío Gálvez, who recently underwent surgery for her own knee injury, and Melanie Leupolz, who sustained damage during the Supercopa. Each of these athletes adds to the growing concern of injuries within the sport.
Fans and supporters have taken to social media, expressing their sympathies and support for Abelleira. Many are rallying for her swift recovery, hoping to see her back on the field sooner than later. The effects of such injuries extend beyond the physical, impacting mental health and career trajectories as players grapple with the uncertainty of recovery.
With the surgery approaching quickly, the Real Madrid star and her team will be focusing on rehabilitation and recovery, with aspirations set on returning to her former strength. The football community continues to send their best wishes to Tere Abelleira, hopeful for her swift return to the beautiful game.