Gavi ACL Injury Spoils Spain's Win Over Georgia

Spain beat Georgia 3-1 to finish top of Group A in Euro 2024 qualifying. But the win was marred by a serious ankle injury sustained by Barcelona starlet Gavi.

Spain beat Georgia 3-1 on Sunday to finish top of Group A in Euro 2024 qualifying.

La Roja will therefore be among the top-seeded teams for next summer's tournament.

Ferran Torres assisted Robin Le Normand for Spain's opening goal at Valladolid's Estadio Jose Zorrilla.

Khvicha Kvaratskhelia equalized for Georgia before Torres netted to restore Spain's lead in the 55th minute.

Torres celebrated his goal by holding up the jersey of Spain and Barcelona teammate Gavi.

Ferran Torres pictured holding up the jersey of Spain teammate Gavi after scoring in a 3-1 win over Georgia :: IMAGO/NurPhoto/Jose Breton

Nineteen-year-old Gavi, who had been making his 27th senior international appearance, had earlier left the field in tears.

Gavi was subbed off midway through the first half with a serious knee injury.

That injury - which was later diagnosed as an anterior cruciate ligament tear - occurred when Gavi's right knee jarred under his bodyweight after he had controlled a high pass on his chest.

Barcelona have confirmed that Gavi has suffered a complete tear of his ACL.

Since the start of the 2021/22 season, Gavi has played more league matches (82) than any other player in Europe's top seven divisions currently aged 21 or under, earning 27 Spain caps in that time. 😮‍💨 pic.twitter.com/LdrF2cAECS

— Squawka (@Squawka) November 20, 2023

Spain's third goal of the game arrived in the 72nd minute. It was an own goal scored by Luka Lochoshvili.

Elsewhere in Group A on Sunday, Scotland drew 3-3 with Norway in Glasgow.

Spain won the group with 21 points, ahead of Scotland on 17.