Gavi, a Barcelona midfielder, suffered a serious knee injury during Spain’s Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia on Sunday night at Estadio Municipal Jose Zorrilla.
The 19-year-old was starting at the heart of La Roja alongside Manchester City’s Rodri and Fabian Ruiz of Paris Saint-Germain.
Despite the fact that Spain had already secured a place in the top two of Group A alongside Scotland, ensuring their place in next summer’s tournament, Luis de la Fuente named a strong XI that included Jose Gaya and Dani Carvajal.
Robin Le Normand, one of only two players to keep their places from the previous international break victory in Cyprus, put the hosts ahead in the fourth minute.
In the 10th minute, Napoli attacker Khvicha Kvaratskhelia equalized for the visiting Georgians, and not long after, Gavi was in a lot of pain after attempting to control the ball.
The Barcelona youngster was clearly in pain, and while he was able to walk off the pitch with some assistance from Spain’s physio, it was clear that the midfielder was in no condition to continue playing.
Ferran Torres of Barcelona put La Roja back in front early in the second half and celebrated by holding up a Gavi shirt, implying that his compatriot was already aware of how serious the injury was going to be.
An own goal from Cremonese’s Luka Lochoshvili secured all three points for Spain, with De la Fuente’s men finishing four points ahead of Steve Clarke’s Scotland at the top of Group A.
Since the final whistle in Valladolid, it has been confirmed that Gavi has suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury, putting him on the sidelines for an extended period of time.
Gavi suffers ACL injury in Spain qualifier
The midfielder is likely to return to Barcelona on Monday for detailed examinations that will help determine a specific recovery timeline.
Gavi has been a regular for the Catalans since his debut in July 2021, appearing 111 times in all competitions and scoring seven goals.
So far this season, Barcelona head coach Xavi has started the youngster in 12 La Liga matches, with the midfielder scoring once and assisting once.
Due to the long-term injuries suffered by fellow engine room options Frenkie de Jong and Pedri earlier in the season, Gavi has established himself as a mainstay in the Spanish champions’ starting XI.
After 13 games, Barcelona is second in La Liga behind perennial challengers Real Madrid and surprise package Girona, and Xavi’s side will look to close the gap to first when they travel to Rayo Vallecano on Saturday afternoon.
