Spain star Gavi subbed off in tears during Georgia clash… as team-mate’s celebration leaves fans fearing worst
BARCELONA have suffered a massive blow after wonderkid Gavi hobbled off with a serious looking knee injury.
The 19-year-old started for Spain against Georgia in a Euro qualifier on Sunday.
GettyGavi looked in agony as he came off during Spain’s match with Georgia[/caption]
GettyGavi was forced off the pitch in tears during the 3-1 win[/caption]
AFPFerran Torres holds teammate Gavi’s jersey up after scoring[/caption]
However, he had to be withdrawn in the first half by manager Luis de la Fuente.
The midfielder was seen grimacing on the pitch as he limped off the pitch.
He tried to continue, but was forced to come off in tears.
The Catalans now face an anxious wait till they learn about the severity of the injury.
But, it doesn’t look good – with The Royal Spanish Football Federation confirming Gavi has injured his knee badly.
The RFEF stated: “It’s a serious injury to his right knee, but we need to wait to see how bad it actually is.”
And Barca and Spain team-mate Ferran Torres celebrated his goal by hoisting Gavi’s number nine shirt aloft, leaving fans to conclude the injury would be a bad one.
One tweeted: “Ferran celebrates goal by holding up Gavi’s shirt….not a good sign at all”
And another wrote: “Spain v Georgia: Minute 20-23: Gavi seems to suffer a knee injury, tries to get back onto the pitch, but injures it again(?). Is subbed off.
“Minute 55: Ferran Torres scores, celebrates by holding up Gavi’s shirt. I assume they have gotten some bad news from the medics”
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Gavi exploded on the scene when he made his debut for Barcelona in 2021.
Early comparisons saw him labelled the ‘next Xavi’ because of his passing skills and excellent vision.
The playmaker has since gone on to make 111 appearances for the LaLiga giants.
Barcelona have pinned their hopes on Gavi this season, following injuries to Frenkie de Jong and Pedri.
The latter has recently returned to the first team fold, while De Jong is expected to be fit after the international break.
Spain saw off Georgia 3-1, thanks to goals from Robin Le Normand and Torres, and a Luka Lochoshvili own goal.