Spain and Barcelona midfielder Gavi is set to miss the rest of the season, according to reports, after he suffered a devastating ACL injury in Sunday night's Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia.
The 19-year-old, with no opposition players around him, appeared to jar his knee while trying to control the ball in the final group game of Spain's European Championship qualifying campaign.
Luis de la Fuente's side would go on to secure all three points with a 3-1 win following goals from Robin Le Normand, Ferran Torres and Luka Lochoshvili [OG].
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But it was a bittersweet night for the hosts as Gavi's injury somewhat overshadowed their win. The teenager was substituted after just 26 minutes and broke down in tears as he clutched his right knee.
As you see from the footage below, he seemed to know it was serious straight away.
Gavi's anterior cruciate ligament injury will be confirmed on Monday, according to Fabrizio Romano, who says the "initial indications" are clear.
He also claims that Barcelona are "furious" as they don't understand why Gavi had to be play in their final game against Georgia when Spain had already qualified from Group A.
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At around 3am, Gavi could be seen on crutches as he landed in Barcelona to undergo medical tests. Spanish publication RAC1 suggest the midfielder will miss the rest of the season after tearing his ACL.
The report adds: "Everything points to the fact that he will also miss the European Championship and the Olympic Games."
Spain manager Luis de la Fuente gave a devastating insight into Gavi's knee injury that could rule him out of next year's European Championship.
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"He was broken, shattered, he didn't understand that this could happen to him," La Fuente said. "It's the hardest and most bitter moment I've ever experienced in soccer. He stepped badly and his knee is gone.
"Football is a risky activity. Uncontrollable. I am very sorry for the player. Really. I understand everyone's disgust, of Barcelona, of the player, of the Federation. We feel it in the soul."
Gavi, meanwhile, is the only player to have participated in all 27 games since De la Fuente was appointed Spain manager in December last year.
The Spain boss 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 wasn't one of them.
Jack Kenmare