Foot/ Spain- FC Barcelona: Concerns rise as Gavi faces possible lengthy absence due to Knee injury
Barcelona and Spain are anxiously awaiting news on Gavi as the Blaugrana midfielder was forced to leave the field early in the Spain-Georgia match, part of the Euro 2024 qualifiers.
Gavi was substituted in the 26th minute due to an issue with his right knee. The Spanish national team doctor acknowledged the severity of the injury, suggesting that Gavi could miss Euro 2024.
Reports from AS and Mundo Deportivo indicate that Gavi might be dealing with an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.
If confirmed, the injury could keep him sidelined for 6 to 9 months, effectively ending his season and ruling him out of Euro 2024.
The Spanish Football Federation stated that Gavi suffered a significant injury to his right knee, pending further tests to determine the full extent.
Despite being only 19 years old, Gavi had a remarkable season, earning a spot in the starting eleven under Xavi Hernandez and Luis de la Fuente.
Ferran Torres, who scored the second goal for Spain against Georgia, dedicated his celebration to Gavi by displaying his jersey with the number 9 in solidarity with his national team and injured teammate.
In the locker room, the seriousness of Palacios’ injury was already evident.
FIFA compensation to FC Barcelona
According to FIFA rules, clubs receive compensation when a player is injured while on national team duty and is sidelined for more than 28 days.
With Gavi expected to be out for at least six months, Barcelona could receive at least €3 million in compensation from FIFA, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Starting from the 28th day of Gavi’s absence due to the injury on Sunday, Barcelona is eligible for compensation under FIFA’s club protection program for releasing players to their national teams.
Barcelona is set to begin receiving this compensation on December 16th. The FIFA program provides clubs with a maximum compensation of up to €7,500,000 per player per injury.
This amount is calculated based on a daily compensation of up to €20,548, with a maximum period of 365 days.
If Gavi is out for six months, Barcelona could receive around €3,082,200. In the case of an eight-month absence, it would be €4,315,080.
While the financial compensation cannot replace Gavi’s contribution on the field, everyone is hopeful for the 19-year-old’s swift and smooth recovery, with no serious long-term repercussions due to last night’s events.
