WONDERKID Gavi was applauded and hugged by team-mates as he returned to Barcelona after his heartbreaking injury on international duty.
The Spain international tore his ACL on Sunday after starting for his country against Georgia in a Euro 2024 qualifier.
Gavi, 19, was seen grimacing on the pitch as he limped off in agony.
He then tried to continue but was forced to come off in tears.
And the devastated star is set to be out of action for up to nine months after it was confirmed he needs surgery.
Gavi arrived back at his club on Monday after the international break.
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And Barca uploaded on X a heartwarming clip of the youngster hobbling into the training ground on crutches.
The minute-long clip captioned “Always Gavi ❤️💙 #EveryoneWithGavi” followed the player as he was applauded, hugged and kissed by his Barcelona teammates and coaching staff.
The teenager exploded on to the scene when he made his debut for the La Liga side in 2021.
Early comparisons saw him labelled the ‘next Xavi’ because of his passing skills and excellent vision.
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The playmaker has since gone on to make 111 appearances for the European giants.
The Spain superstar has also won the Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy trophy.
Meanwhile, this could be a massive injury blow to Barcelona who had 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, and De Jong is expected to be fit after the international break.
Barca are reportedly lining up a shock swoop for Spurs midfielder Giovani Lo Celso in January.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
