Barcelona and Spain have been dealt an absolute hammer blow on the personnel front. This comes amid confirmation that Gavi has picked up a season-ending injury.
The youngster was afforded his latest start on the international stage, as Spain played host to Georgia in the country’s 10th and final qualifier for the European Championships on Sunday.
La Roja had already booked their spot at the tournament but nevertheless cruised to a comfortable 3-1 victory, owing to goals on the part of Robin Le Normand and Ferran Torres, alongside a Georgian own goal.
As alluded to above, though, an otherwise positive night for Luis de la Fuente’s men was soured by a serious injury.
The blow in question came inside the opening half hour of action, when Barcelona midfielder Gavi pulled up in evident pain, clutching his knee.
The serious nature of the situation soon became apparent, as the youngster could be seen in tears in making his way from the field of play.
As confirmed by initial checks on the part of the Spanish medical team, as cited by Fabrizio Romano, the all-action midfielder has picked up a ‘major knee injury’.
The ACL rupture suffered by Gavi will rule him out for the entire campaign and Spain boss Luis de la Fuente spoke post-match, admitting that the blow has come as the “most bitter moment I’ve ever experienced in football”.
Gavi’s Barca team-mates Pedri and Ferran Torres, meanwhile, have since moved to pay tribute to their fellow countryman, with the latter having displayed a jersey featuring Gavi’s name after finding the net against Georgia.
Pedri, on the other hand, took to social media, to assure Gavi that he will return “stronger than ever”.
“We are with you, brother! I know you will come back stronger than ever. Lots of strength, Gavi!”
Conor Laird | GSFN
