Spain to delay Gavi call up until 2025 after ACL injury

• Gavi will be sidelined for up to nine months following injury in Euro 2024 qualifier
• Barcelona have struggled with injuries throughout 2023/24 so far
• The Blaugranas should have Pedri and Frenkie de Jong available vs Rayo Vallecano in return from injuries

Spain will avoid calling up Barcelona midfielder Gavi following a severe knee injury sustained during Spain’s final Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia. The 19-year-old midfield maestro, lauded for his vision and technical prowess, endured the cruel blow of a complete tear of his anterior cruciate ligament, leaving Barcelona in dismay over the potential season-long absence of one of their key players. While the estimated timeline for Gavi’s return to club duties hovers around nine months, with a potential comeback in August 2024, the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) has taken a cautious approach, deciding to exclude him from national team duty until the inception of Spain’s 2026 World Cup qualification campaign in March 2025.

The decision to delay Gavi’s return to national team action until 2025 not only disrupts the intricate midfield dynamics at Barcelona but also sidelines the young talent for major international events, including La Roja’s defense of their UEFA Nations League title and the highly anticipated Olympic Games in Paris next year. Barcelona, reportedly discontent with the RFEF’s choice to field Gavi in the Euro 2024 qualifiers against Cyprus and Georgia, now grapple with the repercussions of an extended absence for a player who had become an integral part of their plans.

Spain and Barcelona midfielder Gavi tore his ACL during Spain’s clash against Georgia in a Euro 2024 qualifier. | PHOTO: Independent |

READ: Gavi suffers knee injury while in Spain in suspected ACL case

Spain’s national team manager, Luis de la Fuente, has defended the decision to include Gavi in the qualifiers, expressing an understanding for the complexities of football and the inherent risks involved. He empathetically stated, “This is the ugly part of football, and I am very sorry for the player. It is the most bitter moment of my career. If it is not Gavi, maybe another. This can happen in any situation. Soccer is a risky activity. It was an accident, and it was a disgrace. It is perfect for playing the game, like the rest of the teammates. It was misfortune.”

The aftermath of Gavi’s injury paints a challenging scenario for Barcelona, a club already contending with midfield injuries in the current season. The absence of the talented midfielder adds a layer of complexity to their strategies, though the return of players like Pedri and the anticipated inclusion of Frenkie de Jong offer some solace for the La Liga champions as they prepare to resume domestic action against Rayo Vallecano.

The ramifications of Gavi’s extended absence resonate not only within the confines of the club but also reverberate on the broader international stage. Spain will undoubtedly miss his contributions as they navigate through upcoming tournaments and qualifiers. The decision by the Spanish Football Federation to postpone Gavi’s return to national team duty until March 2025 reflects a careful and measured approach, prioritizing the player’s rehabilitation and ensuring his readiness for the crucial 2026 World Cup qualification campaign.

For Barcelona, the focus now pivots to effective management of their midfield resources in Gavi’s absence. The depth of the squad will be tested, and manager Xavi Hernandez will need to devise astute strategies to compensate for the void left by a player who had seamlessly integrated into their plans. Gavi’s injury serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable nature of football and the challenges that clubs and national teams must navigate in the face of unexpected setbacks.

As the footballing community grapples with the news of Gavi’s extended hiatus, the young midfielder embarks on a journey of recovery, aiming to return stronger and contribute to both Barcelona and the Spanish national team in the future. The collective hope is that Gavi’s resilience will prevail, allowing him to overcome this setback and resume his promising career on the pitch. In the meantime, Barcelona and Spain brace themselves for the challenges posed by the absence of a player whose absence is deeply felt on both the domestic and international fronts.