The upcoming Spain match against Serbia raises questions about the readiness of key players, particularly Gavi, who has been sidelined due to an ACL injury. Gavi’s absence has been felt deeply, as he is considered a pivotal player for the national team.
Spain’s coach, Luis de la Fuente, has highlighted Gavi’s significance, stating, “He is a very special player for us. From a football perspective, but also for the dressing room.” Gavi’s injury, which occurred in November 2023 during a Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia, has limited his appearances for the national team.
Since his injury, Gavi has only played once for Spain, making a brief substitute appearance in June 2025. He returned to action for Barcelona on March 15, 2026, playing just eight minutes. Despite this, he was not included in the squad for the match against Serbia, which has raised concerns about his fitness ahead of the World Cup.
De la Fuente described Gavi’s injury as one of the toughest moments since he took over as coach, emphasizing the impact it had on the team’s dynamics. Spain won the European Championship final against England 2-1 in July 2024, but Gavi’s absence has been a significant loss for the squad.
As Spain prepares for the World Cup in the summer of 2026, the team is among the favorites, but Gavi’s recovery remains crucial. De la Fuente expressed hope for Gavi’s progress, stating, “We can wait for positive things around him. We will see how he progresses but two months is a long time in football.”
Gavi’s best position overlaps with that of his teammate Pedri, creating additional challenges for the coaching staff in terms of team formation. The situation remains fluid as the national team looks to finalize its roster for the World Cup.
While Gavi’s return to form is eagerly anticipated, details remain unconfirmed regarding his potential involvement in future matches. The Spain match against Serbia will serve as an important test for the team as they navigate these uncertainties.