Football

Spain’s Gavi sidelined for several months with torn anterior cruciate ligament

Barcelona midfielder Gavi will be sidelined for several months as he requires surgery on a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), his LaLiga club said on Monday. The 19-year-old Spanish international left the field in tears on Sunday after twisting his knee during Spain’s 3-1 win over Georgia. An MRI scan confirmed he had injured his right knee in addition to tearing his ACL.

“The Andalusian midfielder is a favourite among the fans. Gavi’s spirit and determination on the field are what defines him as a player and he gives absolutely everything in a Barca shirt. For that reason his injury is a big blow for all Barca fans and so here is a chance to send him a message of support,” Barcelona said in a official statement.

During last year’s World Cup in Qatar, he became the youngest scorer at the tournament since Pele in 1958 after helping Spain to thrash Costa Rica 7-0.

“It is a very difficult moment for Gavi, Barcelona, the national team and for me, it seems as if we have lost the game,” Spain manager Luis de la Fuente told a press conference on Sunday. This is the ugly part of football. I am very sorry. This is the most bitter victory I have ever experienced in my life.

Source: Supersport

In other news – Serious Trouble for Kaizer Chief’s goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune

Kaizer Chiefs veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune has been lambasted by fans for revealing fellow goalie Brandon Petersen’s mental health-related issues. This comes after Khune – who is the Amakhosi captain – told Sunday World, in an article published at the weekend, that his teammate is receiving psychological care.

Itumeleng Khune

“We [players] all know what he is going through, and we are trying to help him,” Khune was quoted as saying. The Bafana Bafana goalkeeper revealed that Chiefs has provided help for Petersen through a former Springboks psychologist. Read more