Spain has confirmed that Pedri will be sidelined for the remainder of Euro 2024 due to a knee injury sustained just eight minutes into their quarter-final match against Germany.
The young midfielder, hailed as a wonderkid, was replaced by Dani Olmo early in the game after a significant collision with Toni Kroos.
The Real Madrid midfielder’s challenge, despite winning the ball, was forceful enough for referee Anthony Taylor to call a free-kick.
Pedri remained on the ground, requiring medical attention before he could stand again and attempt to continue.
However, only four minutes after the collision, the Spain manager opted to substitute him, resulting in Pedri leaving the field in tears.
The Spanish Football Federation confirmed Pedri had suffered an “internal lateral sprain to his left knee.”
Further tests are planned to determine the full extent of Pedri’s injury. Throughout the recent domestic season with Barcelona, the midfielder was hampered by injuries, including a hamstring issue that restricted him to just 24 LaLiga matches.
In this incident, although Pedri seemed to land heavily on his shoulder, it was his knee that he clutched in pain as he received treatment on the field. Clearly distraught, he covered his face with his hands as he left the pitch.
At 21, Pedri has faced a series of injuries since breaking through at Barcelona as a teenager. His knee injury in the clash with Kroos, who escaped a booking from referee Anthony Taylor despite the powerful challenge, adds to his woes.
Before facing Germany, Pedri had started three of Spain’s four games, only sitting out their victory over Albania as an unused substitute since they had already secured a spot in the knockout stage before the final group game.
Both Pedri and Barcelona, as well as the Spanish team, will hope his latest injury is not severe, especially if Spain progresses to the Euro 2024 semi-finals by defeating Germany.
Spain entered the tournament without Gavi, another Barcelona player, who has been sidelined since November due to a cruciate ligament tear.
