England and Barcelona defender Lucy Bronze has suffered a significant setback after sustaining a broken leg in training. The injury raises concerns over her participation in upcoming matches for both club and country.
The 32-year-old right-back, considered one of the world's best in her position, is expected to face an extended period on the sidelines. Medical staff are assessing the full extent of the damage, but early reports suggest she could be out for several weeks.
Impact on England's Euro Qualifiers
Bronze's injury comes at a crucial time for the Lionesses as they prepare for important European Championship qualifiers. Manager Sarina Wiegman now faces selection headaches with her first-choice defender unavailable.
"Lucy's experience and leadership will be sorely missed," a team insider revealed. "She's been instrumental in our recent success and her absence creates a big hole in our defence."
Barcelona's Title Defence Affected
The timing couldn't be worse for Barcelona Femení, who are locked in a tight title race in Spain's Liga F. Bronze has been a key figure in their backline since joining from Manchester City in 2022.
Club doctors are working closely with England's medical team to coordinate her rehabilitation programme. Barcelona released a brief statement confirming the injury but declined to specify a return date.
Road to Recovery
Sports medicine specialists suggest Bronze faces a minimum 6-8 week recovery period for such fractures. However, the exact timeline depends on several factors:
- Type and location of fracture
- Response to initial treatment
- Potential complications
- Rehabilitation progress
Fans worldwide have flooded social media with messages of support, hoping to see the two-time UEFA Women's Player of the Year back on the pitch soon.
