Why is Pedri Missing the Euro 2024 Final?

Euro Cup 2024: Why Pedri is Missing the Euro 2024 Final

The young Canary Islander started the Euro Cup as an indispensable player for Luis de la Fuente.

Spain is the trendsetter in Europe. The national team has reached the final of the Euro Cup 2024, showcasing the best football in the tournament. In a competition where many continental stars didn’t shine as expected, La Roja made an exception. The team performed exceptionally well, holding strong to their style of play. Until now, Luis de la Fuente had a stable lineup that only changed when absolutely necessary. This lineup prominently featured Pedri in midfield, who, unfortunately, won’t be playing in the final. His Barcelona teammate, Gavi, also misses out, having just recovered from an injury a few months ago.

Pedri, the Barcelona footballer, is considered one of the key players for Spain now and in the future. De la Fuente trusted him despite a somewhat irregular season where Pedri only made 34 appearances for his club due to several physical issues, mostly muscle-related. This problem became more pronounced alongside Fabian and Rodrigo. Although this decision was highly controversial, de la Fuente chose to rely on Dani Olmo in the starting eleven instead.

Why is Pedri Missing the Euro 2024 Final?

Pedri was ruled out for the rest of the Euro 2024 after sustaining an injury in the quarter-final match against Germany. The Spanish midfielder suffered a second-degree internal side ligament tear, as confirmed by the RFEF medical team.🚨 Medical Report | @Pedri.

“Medical tests revealed that Pedri González has a second-degree tear in the internal ligament of his right knee.”

Despite his injury, the Canary Islander stayed in Germany with his team until the final. The injury occurred due to a harsh tackle by Toni Kroos in the 8th minute of the game. Despite the severity of the foul, the match referee, Anthony Taylor from England, did not consider it worthy of a booking, much to de la Fuente’s frustration. “”I thought it was an overly aggressive tackle.”. I thought it warranted a card,” he said in statements to Onda Cero.

Toni Kroos, who retired from international football after Germany’s elimination, apologized to Pedri. “I’m truly sorry and wish you a speedy recovery, Pedri! It wasn’t intentional. Get well soon, you’re a great player,” said the German. Pedri accepted Kroos’s apology, demonstrating sportsmanship. “Thanks to Toni Kroos for your message. This is football, and these things happen. We move forward,” Pedri responded.

Pedri’s Recovery Timeline

During his recovery, Pedri chose to stay with the Spanish national team in Germany. He was even seen celebrating their semi-final victory, using crutches and moving around with a knee brace.

Pedri’s injury is expected to sideline him for about a month. Consequently, he will spend part of his recovery during his vacation period. The aim is for him to return to action in time for Barcelona’s preseason training.