Soccer prodigy Gavi faces surgery and months off after severe injury
Gavi, unfortunately, suffered an injury during the Euro 2024 qualifier match between Spain and Georgia (3:1), necessitating a break from playing for at least half a year. FC Barcelona shared a touching video on social media showing the 19-year-old prodigy's emotional return to the training center, where he was received with overwhelming support from everyone at the club.
11:08 AM EST, November 22, 2023
The November international break did not go well for FC Barcelona, with both Marc-Andre ter Stegen and Gavi returning from their engagements bearing injuries. However, unlike Gavi's situation, ter Stegen's injury proved to be minor, and he is fit to play.
"Tests conducted this morning revealed that first team's Gavi has completely torn his anterior cruciate ligament in the right knee, along with a related injury to the external meniscus. He will undergo surgery in the coming days," FC Barcelona announced in a statement on Monday, November 20.
Gavi's injury implies that the 19-year-old Spanish midfielder will have to recuse himself from football for at least six months. This is particularly distressing news considering Gavi's key role in Spain's championship team. He sustained his injury while playing against Georgia, even though La Furia Roja had already secured their place in Euro 2024.
Barcelona shared a heartwarming video on social media detailing Gavi's return to the club's training center. He was first greeted by coach Xavi, followed by his fellow players and the coaching staff who were present at the gym at the time.
Everyone at the center received him warmly. He was met with applause and an outpouring of support, especially from ter Stegen, who consoled Gavi throughout, appearing very much like an older brother to him.
"Always Gavi," the official FC Barcelona account captioned the video on Platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The comments section was filled with well-wishes from internet users, all praying for Gavi's speedy recovery.
