Spain and Barcelona midfielder Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, better known as Gavi has suffered a serious knee injury in the Euro 2024 qualifying win against Georgia on Sunday.
This was made known by the Spanish Football Federation adding that, “It’s a serious injury to his right knee, but we need to wait to see how bad it actually is”.
The 19-year-old was tackled from behind, buckling the knee that had his weight on it, before leaving the pitch in tears in Valladolid.
Manager Luis de la Fuente said Spain must wait for tests amid concerns it could be an anterior cruciate ligament injury.
“This is the ugly part of football. This is the most bitter victory I have ever experienced in my life,” he said.
“It is a very difficult moment for Gavi, Barcelona, the national team and for me – it seems as if we have lost the game.
“I am very sorry (for Gavi). Let’s wait for the tests to confirm the extent of the injury.”
Spain, who had already booked their place at next summer’s European Championships, beat Georgia 3-1 to finish top of Group A above Scotland finishing with 21 points after seven wins in eight matches,
Defender Robin le Normand put Spain ahead after four minutes but Khvicha Kvaratskhelia equalised.
Ferran Torres restored Spain’s lead in the second half before Luka Lochoshvili scored an own goal for Georgia.
“We can’t celebrate as we would have liked. Gavi’s injury is a hard blow. I’m really gutted,” said Le Normand.
Torres held up Gavi’s shirt to celebrate his goal, saying, “An important victory to end on a good note, but we leave with a bittersweet feeling.
“We don’t know the extent of the injury but, knowing how much of a warrior Gavi is, we think it could be serious.”
Gavi has established himself as an important player both for Barcelona and the Spanish national team over the past two years, after coming through his club’s La Masia youth academy.
