Barcelona supporters were left in shock as the promising midfielder Gavi sustained a devastating knee injury during Spain's encounter with Georgia, casting a shadow over his entire season and raising concerns about his availability for Euro 2024. The heartbreak for Gavi and Barcelona deepened as it became evident that the injury was a full tear in his knee ligaments, forcing him out of action for an extended period.
The blame for Gavi's unfortunate predicament was swiftly directed towards national coach Luis de la Fuente. Questions were raised about the decision to include Gavi in a seemingly inconsequential match, just three days after completing a full 90 minutes in another game against Cyprus. The criticism escalated when Ferran Torres was seen celebrating Spain's victory over Georgia wearing Gavi's shirt, dedicating the triumph to his injured teammate.
De la Fuente's reasoning, citing Gavi's hyperactivity and the player's own desire to consistently be on the field, faced scrutiny. The coach emphasized Gavi's physical talent and argued that other players might not have handled the workload as well. However, Barcelona's anger towards the national coach intensified, questioning the wisdom of subjecting a young player to such an intense schedule.
The broader issue of player workload and the responsibility of clubs and national teams came to the forefront. While acknowledging the need for reasonable scheduling, Barcelona argued for more consideration, particularly regarding the participation of players in multiple international tournaments within a short span. The media's focus on high-scoring games against weaker opponents, such as France's 14 goals against Gibraltar, was criticized, emphasizing the potential risks of injuries during such encounters.
In the aftermath of Gavi's injury, the realization dawned that Barcelona would face significant challenges without the dynamic midfielder. The impact on the team's performance, especially in crucial upcoming matches against Atletico Madrid and Girona, became a cause for concern. Barcelona, facing financial constraints, would find it challenging to secure a replacement of Gavi's caliber in the January transfer window.
As Gavi's personal tragedy transformed into a potential team crisis, the focus shifted to how Barcelona, under coach Xavi, would navigate the absence of this pivotal player and the daunting tests that awaited them in the season ahead.
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