The first wave of matches capped off a dramatic opening to the tournament, but not without a few concerning injuries:
Giulia Gwinn (Germany) – MCL Tear
Germany’s captain and centre-back exited their 2–0 win over Poland in tears after twisting her knee around the 40-minute mark. While initial fears of a third ACL injury were thankfully spared, scans confirmed a medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear. The German FA has ruled her out for “several weeks,” effectively removing her from the rest of the group stage, a major loss both tactically and emotionally for Germany.
Glódís Perla Viggósdóttir (Iceland) – Acute Stomach Illness
Iceland’s captain was substituted at half-time during their 0–1 defeat to Finland after struggling with an acute stomach upset. Reports confirmed it was diarrhoea, not an injury. Thankfully, the issue appears short-term.
Aitana Bonmatí (Spain) – Viral Meningitis Recovery
Spain’s midfield star missed the warm-up due to treatment for viral meningitis, raising concerns about her tournament readiness. Thankfully, she returned, coming on as a substitute in the matchday opener, alleviating immediate fears of a health-related absence.
No Other Serious Injuries Reported
No new ACL ruptures, muscle tears, or knocks forcing substitutions have been officially reported during Matchday 1. With most teams emerging injury-free, the stage appears set for a physically robust group phase so far.
Why These Incidents Matter
- Germany: Losing their captain so early injects uncertainty into the defence during a critical phase of the tournament.
- Iceland: While not injury-related, stomach illness underscores the importance of player fitness in non-contact scenarios.
- Spain: Bonmatí’s successful return is a positive health sign, but viral illnesses can easily disrupt tournament plans.
- Overall: Matchday 1 has largely been clear of serious injuries, but Gwinn’s MCL tear serves as an early warning about the fragility of form and fortune at major tournaments.
Final Whistle
Matchday 1 had its fair share of drama on and off the ball, but only one serious injury occurred. As Euro 2025 rolls on, maintaining player health will be just as crucial as scoring goals. Whether it’s managing established stars like Gwinn or dealing with sudden illnesses like Viggósdóttir’s, teams will need medical sharpness almost as much as tactical acumen.
Sources
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/c39zrgwp347o
https://www.dw.com/en/euro-2025-germany-win-but-gwinn-injury-casts-shadow/a-73162662
The Injury Times 
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