Women's Barça team has one of the most promising players who hasn't been seen in action since the start of the season. Despite the expectations following her performance at the Olympic Games, she's undergoing a physical rehabilitation process and has missed the first few games.
The Burden of the Olympic Games
Salma Paralluelo was one of the most important players in the Spanish team coached by Montse Tomé during the Olympic Games. In total, she played 525 minutes out of a possible 570, making her one of the most used players in the tournament.
Her efforts in those matches were indisputable and her performance on the field was essential. However, this large number of minutes played in such a short period has had repercussions on her physical condition.
The Team is Missing Its Player
Despite not suffering a serious injury, Salma has had to train separately from her Barça teammates. She's following a special rehabilitation plan, designed to prevent future injuries and manage the discomfort she's been experiencing.
One of the main focuses of attention is on her left knee, which has been a source of concern in recent weeks.
Barcelona's medical team has opted to be cautious. Although it's not a serious injury, they've decided not to take any risks with such an important player. The aim is to ensure that, when the time comes that she returns to the field, she does so in her best version and without risk of relapses.
Joan Laporta's Pact
The most surprising thing about Paralluelo's case has been her absence from the Spanish national team squad for the last friendlies. The reason for this absence hadn't been revealed until now, when the existence of a pact between Joan Laporta and the Royal Spanish Federation of Football (RFEF in Spanish) was revealed.
Barça asked the federation not to include Paralluelo in the squad list due to her recovery process, to which the RFEF accepted the request.
This agreement between the parties was kept secret until recently, when Montse Tomé leaked the information. The federation decided to collaborate so that the player could fully recover before returning to international competition.
Preparing to Return to the Best Level
Although fans will have to wait to see Salma Paralluelo, the team seems to be handling her situation well. The player is preparing to return in her best version. When she does, she could be a decisive factor during the most important moments of the season.
Even though her absence is felt, her return promises to be spectacular. This would ensure that both Barça and the Spanish national team can count on a player at the peak of her physical abilities.