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Spain has received a significant setback prior to next year’s Euros as Barcelona has announced that Gavi will be out for an extended period of time due to an ACL tear.
The 19-year-old midfielder is scheduled to have surgery following a severe knee injury sustained during the first half of Spain’s victory against Georgia.
Gavi suffered a meniscus injury in a non-contact situation and is expected to be absent for Euro 2024.
The competition kicks off in Germany on 14 June, with Spain solidifying their spot as one of the top seeds after finishing first in qualifying Group A.
Gavi has played a significant role for Barcelona this year, as the Catalan team currently ranks third in La Liga.
“The team’s changing room resembled a funeral home,” stated Spain’s coach Luis de la Fuente following their victory against Georgia, which he labeled as “the most sorrowful of my career.”
“It was a mistake, anyone could have made it.” “He is emotionally shattered, devastated.”
“This is the hardest moment I have experienced in football. We think we’re invulnerable but we’re fragile. I’m not thinking about the Euros or the Olympics or anything, only about Gavi’s health. These are uncontrollable situations. It’s a pity. The lad was in perfect condition to play. We always protect the players.”
Since making their debut in the 2021/22 season, the young player has appeared in over 100 matches for Barcelona.
Last year, he was a consistent player in all four of Spain’s matches at the World Cup and has continued to be a regular under De la Fuente, who took over from Luis Enrique after the tournament ended.
Ferran Torres, a member of the team, celebrated Spain’s second goal in the 3-1 victory over Georgia by taking Gavi’s shirt and displaying it to the audience.
Torres stated that based on the knowledge of his warrior-like character and the manner in which he exited the field, it is clear that the situation must be severe.
Source: independent.co.uk