The international break provides players with an opportunity to represent their national teams amid club commitments. However, it also brings an additional cause for concern for clubs and fans, who hope that their contracted players return without any serious injuries.
Unfortunately, the international breaks have posed a big challenge for FC Barcelona’s camp, with one of their young midfield sensations Pablo Gavi suffering an ACL injury during the UEFA Euro Qualifiers against Georgia and being forced off the pitch in the match.
Gavi injury update
At the age of 19, Barcelona’s golden boy Gavi, has solidified his position as a regular starter for both club and country since his breakout season in 2021. Demonstrating firm commitment and future aspirations with the Spanish champions, Gavi signed a new contract extension that ties him to the club until 2026.
In the UEFA Euro qualifiers Group A fixture, Spain hosted Georgia at Estadio José Zorrilla in Valladolid and secured a 3-1 victory on Sunday. The three-time European champions have already qualified for the Euro as group winners. However, in the 26th minute, Barcelona midfielder Gavi suffered a serious knee injury, completely tearing his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus. He was substituted in the first half.
The club also released an official statement updating on Gavi’s condition following the completed tests carried out on the 19-year-old. Barca confirmed the ACL and knee injury, and Gavi is set to undergo an operation soon.
“Tests carried out on Monday on the first team player Gavi have shown that he has a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and an associated injury to the lateral meniscus.”
Seemingly, his current season is over as he is likely to remain out of action for a minimum of 7-8 months following ACL and meniscus surgery. Further recovery procedures will take a prolonged time frame for him to fully recover.
Gavi’s astonishing Barcelona track record
Gavi came through the youth set-up of the club, La Masia, in 2021 and played a pivotal role under Barcelona boss Xavi Hernandez helping the Catalans lift the La Liga title last season. In that particular season, he played 49 matches in all competitions.
The midfielder has already made over 100 appearances in the Blaugrana colors even before reaching the age of 20.
Ever since his debut for the first team, Gavi has consistently led the list in terms of minutes played, appearances, and starts for the Spanish champions across all competitions. He is among the untouchables in the Blaugrana lineup, with the club refusing to put their Golden Boy on the market.
This season, Pablo Gavi made 15 appearances in the league and the UEFA Champions League. It is evident that the demanding schedule has imposed an excessive workload on the teenage star, potentially contributing to his injury.
