There is a reason why club managers loathe the international break so much, with Xavi yet another coach left bemoaning a serious injury to one of his players.
With 26 minutes played at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla, Spain tied with Georgia in a Euro 2024 qualifier they would go on to win 3-1, Gavi hobbled off the pitch in Valladolid with a nasty-looking knee injury.
The midfielder left the field in tears, with his worst fears soon realised after undergoing scans upon his return to Catalonia. Unfortunately for Gavi and Barcelona, the news isn't good.
Here is the latest on Gavi's injury.
What injury does Gavi have?
After Gavi underwent medical inspection, the worst fears harboured by the fanbases of Barcelona and Spain were confirmed.
In a club statement, Barcelona revealed: "Tests carried out on Monday morning 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.
"The player will have surgery in the coming days after which a new medical update will be released."
Gavi will be an enormous miss for Xavi. Since making his senior debut two years ago, no outfield player can match Gavi's tally of 111 appearances for Barcelona. The 19-year-old has been in typically impressive form this season, adapting to a new role at the base of midfield to cover for other absentees in the squad. Now there is a considerable Gavi-shaped hole for Xavi to fill.
When will Gavi return from injury?
Given the seriousness of Gavi's ACL tear, the midfielder is expected to miss the rest of the season with Barcelona. It's a bitter blow, but one that might be eased somewhat by the return of Pedri before the international break and Frenkie de Jong's imminent comeback.
However, Gavi could also miss out on Euro 2024 next summer with Spain, as the Masia product is potentially sidelined until next July.
That means that Gavi will have to pencil in a return to action at the beginning of next season. Hopefully, this won't have a devastating impact on the progression of the teenager as he blossoms into one of the most exciting midfielders in world football.
Barcelona have reportedly been irked by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente's decision to play Gavi during both Euro 2024 qualifiers with Cyprus and Georgia, with the 62-year-old questioned over his selection of the youngster.
De la Fuente responded: "I understand Barca's complaints, but, if it wasn't Gavi, it could have happened to someone else.
"This can happen in a La Liga match, in training or in any situation. Sometimes we don't realise the risk that each moment entails when you put on your boots. It was an accident, a misfortune, but Gavi was perfectly ready to play."
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This article was originally published on 90min as Gavi: Injury progress & potential return date for Barcelona midfielder.
