Putellas is preparing for Spain's second match against Zambia.

Spain is anticipating anything but a stroll in the park when it faces Zambia in its second Women's World Cup encounter on Tuesday, and important midfielder Alexia Putellas is ready to play if selected, according to coach Jorge Vilda.

Putellas, a two-time Ballon d'Or winner, came in as a second-half substitute in Spain's opening 3-0 triumph over Costa Rica last Friday as she recovers from a significant knee injury.

Vilda claimed the 29-year-old was "fine" but would not commit to starting her against the 77th-ranked Africans on Wednesday at Eden Park.

"In the 15 minutes she played the other day, she showed that everything was fine," he said to reporters at the stadium.

"She completed the training sessions very well and maintained a very high rhythm." It's a continuous process, and we're extremely pleased with her progress.

"What can I say about the starting lineup?" I can't tell you who will play or who will not play. We're not going to offer the opposing team that information."

Putellas was not missed much against Costa Rica, thanks in large part to Aitana Bonmati's dominance in midfield, which raised the chance of the Barcelona teammates playing together later in the tournament.

"Aitana's performance on the field speaks for itself." "She's a fantastic player," Vilda continued. "She dominates every aspect of the game."

"She's a very complete player with a competitive mentality, which means she improves every day."

Zambia lost 5-0 against previous champion Japan in its World Cup debut last weekend in Hamilton, but Vilda believes the outcome reflects the brilliance of the Nadeshiko more than the Africans' inadequacies.

"This is a crucial game, and I expect a dangerous Zambia." "I expect a team that will defend well and be very, very dangerous on the counterattack," he added.

"Tomorrow won't be an easy game at all."