Spain midfielder Pedri has been ruled out of the rest of the European Championship after suffering a left knee injury.
The 21-year-old was forced off in the opening stages of Spain’s quarter-final win over Germany on Friday night following a heavy challenge from Toni Kroos. Pedri received treatment on the pitch and was subsequently replaced by Dan Olmo.
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The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) confirmed on Saturday that Pedri suffered a “grade 2 internal lateral sprain in his left knee” but that he will remain with the Spain squad throughout the rest of their tournament.
Kroos, who officially retired from football following Germany’s exit, asked Pedri for “forgiveness” for inflicting the injury. The tackle was not punished with a yellow card by referee Anthony Taylor. “It wasn’t my intention hurt you,” Kroos added. “A speedy recovery and all the best. You are a great player.”
“This week it’s my turn to encourage and contribute in another way to this great family that is the Spain team,” Pedri wrote on Instagram on Sunday. “Your support and that of all of you has been incredible. The hardest moment has passed and the road back to Barcelona has begun.
“Thank you Toni Kroos for your message. This is football and these things happen. Your career and your record remain forever.”
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
Pedri’s injury means Spain head coach Luis de la Fuentes will be without the Barcelona playmaker for Spain’s Euro 2024 semi-final against France in Munich on Tuesday and the final in Berlin, should they get there.
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The diagnosis represents a fresh setback for Pedri, who had his club campaign limited to just 24 La Liga appearances by a hamstring injury.
FIFA’s club protection programme rules mean Euro 2024 tournament organisers UEFA will have to compensate Barcelona financially if Pedri is sidelined for more than 28 days.
RB Leipzig’s Olmo is likely to deputise in his place having scored Spain’s opening goal in their 2-1 extra-time win over hosts Germany.
‘Injury comes at a bad time’
Analysis by Spain correspondent Pol Ballus
After three consecutive injury-prone seasons with Barcelona, Pedri was beginning to rediscover his best form for Spain at Euro 2024.
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His latest knee injury comes at a bad time — especially for the 21-year-old to be sidelined on such a big stage, although sources close to the player assure The Athletic he is positive about his future.
Although Spain are losing a starter, Pedri has never been irreplaceable. In part, because they have Olmo behind him.
The Leipzig man was De la Fuente’s starting option in qualifiers, but a minor injury at the end of last season prevented him from keeping his place before the start of the Euros.
Pedri showed good form in the friendly matches before their opening game, and the manager gave him the spot. But that did not take Olmo out of De la Fuente favourite’s list at all.
Despite having only started one game in the competition so far, Olmo has been involved in four goals (two goals, two assists). De La Fuente regards him as “one of the world’s best” when playing in a number 10 role, according to backroom staff sources, and the excellent performance he put in against Germany can only help the manager’s case.
As much as Pedri is a loss, his role is perhaps the one with the best replacement within Spain’s squad. Now, it is down to Olmo to make sure there is nothing to worry for a Spanish side that are fast becoming the team to beat in this competition.
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(Top photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)