The Spanish football community is facing a growing concern over the escalating number of serious injuries, particularly anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) issues, among players in the country’s top two leagues.
Recent reports indicate that 18 players are currently sidelined due to significant knee injuries or ACL problems.
The injury suffered by Barcelona’s Gavi, who tore his knee ligaments while playing for Spain against Georgia in a Euro 2024 qualifier, has brought this issue into sharper focus. Despite Spain having already secured qualification, Gavi’s inclusion in the match, which led to his season-ending injury, has sparked criticism and concern, particularly from Barcelona.
Gavi’s injury means he will miss the upcoming European Championship and the Olympic Games. This incident has intensified discussions about the football calendar, as players are not only getting injured more frequently but are also experiencing career-impacting injuries.
Real Madrid’s Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois, along with Villarreal’s Jeremy Pino, are among those affected by similar serious injuries. In the second division, Oviedo faces challenges with several players, including Rodrigo Tarin, Alex Milan, and Mario Hernandez, all coping with ligament issues.
Spanish media reports suggest a consensus on the excessive demands placed on players, yet there appears to be little movement towards addressing this critical issue. Furthermore, the upcoming expansions of UEFA’s Champions League and FIFA’s Club World Cup and World Cup are expected to increase the number of games, potentially exacerbating the problem of player injuries.
