Spain’s midfielder Gavi tore his ACL during his team’s final Euro 2024 qualifying Group A match against Georgia where they won 3-1.
Spain finished as Group A winners with 21 points after seven wins in eight matches, having lost only to second-placed Scotland who also qualified with 17 points.
Georgia finished fourth with eight points, three behind Norway in third, while Cyprus were bottom without a point.
Spain coach Luis de la Fuente called it a bittersweet victory after losing Gavi. The 19-year-old left the pitch in tears during the first half while grabbing his knee in pain.
“It is a very difficult moment for Gavi, Barcelona, the national team, and for me, it seems as if we have lost the game,” De la Fuente told a news conference.
“This is the ugly part of football. I am very sorry. Let’s wait for the tests to confirm the extent of the injury. This is the most bitter victory I have ever experienced in my life.”
Robin Le Normand who scored his first International goal for Spain against Georgia also talked about Gavi’s injury.
“We can’t celebrate as we would have liked. Gavi’s injury is a hard blow, I’m really gutted,” said Le Normand. “It wasn’t my best game with the national team, there are things to improve”.
“An important victory to end on a good note, but we leave with a bittersweet feeling because of Gavi’s injury,” said Torres who scored Spain’s second.
“We don’t know the extent of the injury, but knowing how much of a warrior Gavi is, we think it could be serious.”
