The 19-year-old was substituted after just 26 minutes when he was clutching his knee, and he broke down in tears as Spain’s medical team helped him off the pitch, with Luis de la Fuente’s side going on to win the match 3-1 in his absence. Diario AS reports that early indications suggest he has ruptured his ACL, which would mean between six to eight months on the sidelines, and prematurely cut his season short.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Gavi has emerged as a key player for both club and country at such a tender age. He has already clocked over 100 appearances for Barca and has played in every La Liga game this season, bar one, when he was suspended. News of such an injury will be a bitter blow to Xavi’s plans at Camp Nou.

DID YOU KNOW?

The youngster made his Spain debut in 2021 and has gone on to score five goals in 26 caps. Spain have already qualified for Euro 2024 but his inclusion in that squad could now be called into question due to his potential ACL injury.

WHAT NEXT?

Barcelona will be awaiting Gavi’s test results with their fingers crossed, such is his importance. AS states that he is set to undergo an MRI scan in the next 24 hours to find out the full extent of the injury. The Blaugrana are next in action this weekend against Rayo Vallecano, but it seems certain that Gavi will be watching on from the treatment room for some time.