Jack Kenmare
Barcelona have announced that midfielder Gavi has suffered a ‘complete tear’ of his ACL as well as a meniscus injury while on international duty.
The 19-year-old midfielder was left "broken" and "shattered" on Sunday evening after he landed awkwardly on his knee during Spain's 3-1 victory over Georgia in their final Euro 2024 qualifier.
At around 3am on Monday morning, Gavi could be seen on crutches as he landed in Barcelona to undergo medical tests. And several hours later, Barcelona confirmed a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and an associated injury to the lateral meniscus.
A statement on the Catalan club's official website added: "The player will have surgery in the coming days after which a new medical update will be released.
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"Gavi was injured on international duty for Spain in the final game of the team's European Championship qualifying group against Georgia. The Barça midfielder was forced off after just 26 minutes of the encounter."
They added: "The Andalusian midfielder is a firm favourite amongst the fans. Gavi's spirit and determination on the field are what defines him as a player and he gives absolutely everything in a Barça shirt.
"For that reason his injury is a big blow for all Barça fans and so here is a chance to send him a message of support."
Since the news emerged, some fans have expressed their frustration at UEFA and FIFA over the international scheduling.
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente made a number of changes to his squad for the clash against Georgia, and gave a rest to nine of the 11 starters from Thursday's match against Cyprus.
But the Barcelona teenager, who played the full 90 minutes against Cyprus, wasn't one of them.
One fan wrote: "And all FIFA cares about is making the players play more games. So many players with serious injuries caused by the tight schedule and they simply don't care. Wishing a quick and full recovery to Gavi, hope we don't need to get any more of those before we see some actions."
A second commented: "This is why international break is horrible. This is why FIFA shouldn’t treat these players like machines. Reduce the number of games and less of this will happen. He’s a 19 year old and an acl could destroy his career. Speedy recoveries Gavi."
A third added: "Let's see if FIFA takes note of this. It is an absurd burden of matches for the players and in the end it is paid this way. The number of players who have fallen in this break is shameful, and in cases like Gavi's, out for the entire season."
Barcelona, meanwhile, could receive millions in compensation after Gavi suffered the season-ending injury.