"I wish Gavi a speedy recovery: we need him"

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente sent a message of support to Barcelona midfielder Pablo Martin Paez Gavira, 'Gavi', on Monday, wishing him a "speedy recovery" from his long-term injury, firstly for his own sake and then because the national team "needs him".

Gavi was injured on 19th November 2023 in the match between Spain and Georgia. He suffered a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and an associated injury to the lateral meniscus.

"I have contact with players who get injured because it's the hardest and ugliest part of the sport. It's that time when you need support and closeness. When someone is injured, it seems that people forget," said Luis de la Fuente, during the forum 'EFE Sport Business Day', organised by the agency 'EFE' together with the Alfonso X el Sabio University.

"Gavi is friendly, a good person and is very well liked by the group of workers in the RFEF. I have a relationship with him as with all those who have been injured. I wish him the best and a speedy recovery. Firstly, for him and, secondly, because we need him," he confessed. The Spanish coach was asked about Lamine Yamal, the Barcelona striker whose performances have earned him a place in Spain's squad.

"It has to be a source of pride to come to the national team and, for that reason, you can't give it away. I would have loved to have been a full international, but it couldn't happen. First, you have to succeed at your club. People have to be proud to be in the national team. Unfortunately, there are some very good players who are left out, but coming here has to be a source of pride, a prize and happiness because it means reaching the highest level at a professional level", he concluded.