It is no secret that FC Barcelona is a club currently dealing with several economic problems. The Catalan club is heavily restricted due to financial fair play and has very limited spending ability. However, even new funds and financial compensation can not correct certain things.
The recent game for Spain against Georgia in the latest round of European qualifiers gave Barcelona some extremely bad news. Key midfielder and Golden Boy winner Gavi will now be sidelined due to a severe injury. His participation in the game as a starter led to a possible ACL tear for the player.
FC Barcelona are reportedly already frustrated with Spain, as Mundo Deportivo reports. Believing that the game against Georgia was inconsequential, playing Gavi as a starter comes off as even more carelessness. The resultant injury could now see the 19-year-old miss the entirety of the remaining season with Barcelona.
However, FIFA does have a specific protocol in place for incidents like this. Depending on the duration of recovery, players injured in international breaks will see their clubs compensated by the footballing organization.
According to the information that MD has, FIFA is likely to pay FC Barcelona anywhere between €4-5 million depending on Gavi’s recovery. Barcelona, however, considers this as no ‘consolation’.
For them, Gavi remains a crucial part of Xavi’s Barça and was extremely important for their season’s objectives. Without him, Barcelona lose a key part of their midfield and one that acts as the heart and soul of the team.
Gavi’s inclusion in Spain’s games and their apparent reliance on him produce quite bizarre statistics. Despite still only being 19, the Barcelona midfielder has not missed a single game since debuting with Spain. Playing every single game, he has started in 23 and played as a substitute in the remaining four.
While Pedri certainly faced the consequences of being overplayed in 2021, there is a great worry with Gavi now as well. Unwilling to let another Golden Boy become ridiculed with such injuries, Barcelona will want to be extra cautious with the progression and development of their youngster.
