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| Pablo Gavi of Spain reacts after injury during the UEFA EURO 2024 European qualifier match between Spain and Georgia at Jose Zorrilla on November 19, 2023 in Valladolid, Spain. |
Barcelona wonderkid Gavi was left in floods of tears after suffering a serious injury while on Spain duty.
The talented playmaker appeared to jar his knee badly as he brought the ball down during the Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia without another player anywhere near him. Gavi seemed to know it was serious straight away, wincing in pain and then tearing up as he was treated and hobblied off the field.
A spokesperson for the Spanish Football Federation told ESPN that the 19-year-old had suffered a “significant knee injury”. He will reportedly undergo tests to determine the severity of the injury on Monday.
Later in the game, which Spain won 3-1, Ferran Torres celebrated a goal by holding up Gavi’s number nine shirt. The youngster has been a key man for both club and country this season, missing just two games so far, both through suspension.
The injury is yet another blow to Barca boss Xavi, who has been without several key players for spells this season, including Pedri and Frenkie de Jong. Xavi has called Gavi the “heart and soul of his team”.
Fans were quick to wish Gavi well, including supporters of Barca’s bitter rivals Real Madrid. One said: “Oh my god, this is a terrible injury for Gavi, you can even hear him cry. This is sad.”
A second added: “Even as a Real Madrid fan, I hate seeing this kind of stuff. So many good players have gotten injured this week doing their international duties.” Another commented: “That's sad man, wishing him a speedy recovery.”
A concerned Barca supporter added: “Gavi's injury is heartbreaking. But also so damn predictable at this point. For all the talent at Barcelona's disposal, Xavi is yet to have everyone available for an extended period of time. Pedri, Araujo, Fati before and now Gavi too. Ridiculous. Get well soon, sweet prince.”