Spain’s Pedri To Miss Rest Of EURO 2024 With Knee Injury

Spain’s midfielder, Pedri, will be out for the remainder of Euro 2024 due to a ligament injury in his left knee sustained early in his team’s thrilling 2-1 quarter-final victory against hosts Germany on Friday.

Pedri had to leave the field in tears just minutes into the game following a strong tackle from Germany’s midfielder, Toni Kroos.

“Following tests, Pedri has a grade two sprain in the medial collateral ligament of his left knee. The player will remain with his teammates until the end of the current training camp, which is focused on the Euro 2024,” the Spanish FA (RFEF) said in a short statement on Saturday.

After Germany’s defeat, Kroos, who had already announced his retirement from football, shared a farewell message on his social media platforms. In his post, he apologized to Pedri for the challenge that led to the Spain midfielder’s injury.

“I would like to say something very important: I apologize to Pedri and hope he feels better soon! It was not my intention to hurt you. I wish you a speedy recovery and all the best. You are a great player,” Kroos said.

Pedri’s injury forced Spain manager Luis de la Fuente into an early change, bringing on Dani Olmo, who was named player of the match with a goal and an assist.

Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has stated that Kroos deserved a red card for the challenge, and the ex-Real Madrid midfielder has since apologized for his actions.

In his lengthy farewell to football, Kroos wrote: “This is important to me. I apologize and get well soon, Pedri! I didn’t mean to hurt you. Have a speedy recovery and all the best. You’re a great player.”

According to Mundo Deportivo, Pedri has been diagnosed with a sprain in his left knee which will keep him sidelined for between four and six weeks.

As a result, Pedri will be absent from Barcelona’s first pre-season preparations under new coach Hansi Flick. Barcelona’s USA tour includes matches against Manchester City, Real Madrid, and AC Milan before August 6, but Pedri will be unable to participate and will have to observe from the sidelines.

In the meantime, Pedri is expected to remain with the Spain camp for the rest of their Euro 2024 journey, which continues with a semi-final clash with France on Tuesday.

In their semi-final match against France in Munich on Tuesday, Spain will be without center-back Robin Le Normand, who is suspended due to accumulating his second booking in the tournament, and Dani Carvajal, who was red-carded in the closing moments of Friday’s game in.

Carvajal’s red card was a fitting conclusion to an ill-tempered and nerve-racking encounter between two of the most impressive sides at Euro 2024.

The game saw a total of 38 fouls and 16 yellow cards issued by referee Anthony Taylor as he tried to control the escalating tensions. Spain had to show great resilience to secure the win, with Mikel Merino’s header in the dying moments of extra time sealing their victory.