Barcelona’s Gavi suffers ACL injury in Spain qualifier – sources

Barcelona’s midfielder, Gavi, faces a lengthy time on the sidelines after sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury during Spain’s 3-1 Euro 2024 qualifying victory over Georgia, sources disclosed to ESPN. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has notified Barça of the diagnosis, with the club planning further tests on Gavi’s right knee on Monday.

Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente made nine alterations to the La Roja team that defeated Cyprus last Friday, with Gavi being one of only two players to retain his spot. However, he was forced to exit the game midway through the first half due to an injury sustained in an unrelated collision with Georgia’s Luka Lochoshvili.

Despite being able to hobble off the field with Spain’s medical team, the expression on Gavi’s face suggested grave concern. De la Fuente, in a post-game interview, confirmed, “It looks like it’s a serious injury. He is really worried. It’s the most bitter victory I’ve ever experienced in my life.”

The injury seemed apparent to both players and fans, with Gavi’s teammate Ferran Torres celebrating a goal by holding up Gavi’s No. 9 shirt in a show of support. Concerns about the extent of Gavi’s injury were also voiced by Torres, who expressed hope for a speedy recovery.

De la Fuente refuted claims that the injury was due to Gavi playing too many games, emphasizing it as an accident and bad luck. Gavi’s significance to both Xavi Hernández’s Spanish champions and the Spain team has grown given the long-term injuries to Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. The Spain national team had secured their place at the Euro 2024 finals in Germany prior to the match against Georgia.

The victory marked the end of Spain’s qualifying campaign, as they prepare for upcoming matches against FC Porto, Atlético Madrid, and Girona, following a series of crucial games. The injury will undoubtedly impact Gavi’s significant role for both club and country.