Luis de la Fuente, the Spanish national team coach, made an appearance on the ‘El Larguero’ program, reflecting on a challenging week both personally and in the realm of sports.

On November 19, during the match against Georgia, Gavi suffered a torn cruciate ligament in his right knee, along with a meniscus injury.

This unfortunate event will inevitably sideline him for the entire season and Euro 2024.

The circumstances surrounding this incident have put both the national coach and the medical team of the National Team under scrutiny in recent days.

Gavi received a forceful blow to his knee, left the field for medical attention, and upon returning, experienced another injury.

Numerous voices have suggested that the player may have returned to the field already seriously injured. Luis de la Fuente aimed to clarify the sequence of events in a conversation with Manu Carreño.

“I inquired about his condition at halftime, upon his arrival in the locker room,” he said. “He informed us that he had not sensed anything during the initial incident.

“The medical team conducted necessary tests on the field, found no signs of injury, and decided he could rejoin the game. If there had been any indication of an injury… Gavi would not have returned to the field for a second.”

“No one approached me to suggest Gavi not play in the second game with the National Team—neither from me nor from the RFEF. I assume that if there were concerns, they would have communicated them.

“I abide by a principle: when they are with me, our focus is solely on the National Team. Once they leave, I advise them to concentrate on their club…

“Gavi was intended to play only 45 minutes in that second game; that was the plan. We wanted other teammates to have an opportunity. We consistently prioritize the health of the players.”

The coach faced queries regarding the criticism of overloading young players with playing time, particularly in the case of Pedri. Pedri’s continuity has been disrupted by injuries following a year in which he participated in the Euros and the Olympics, guided by Luis Enrique and Luis de la Fuente, respectively. This was after being one of the players with the highest minutes played at his club, FC Barcelona.

“Attributing Pedri’s subsequent injuries to his participation in the Olympics seems somewhat unfair,” remarked the coach. “There’s a schedule established in July, agreed upon by all parties involved.

“Complaints in November or March are not warranted. If we are dissatisfied, let’s consider changes, but everyone has something at stake. I don’t call players to the National Team for rest; I call them because the best should represent the National Team,” he emphasized.

Isco and Sergio Ramos were two specific names addressed in the interview, both absent from De la Fuente’s recent call-ups but under different circumstances.

“Not selecting Isco may be perceived as unfair, but those currently called up are performing well. Is he in my plans? He is in fantastic form, but those joining us are, at the very least, at the same level.

“While he was initially on the pre-list, we contemplated his inclusion, but those presently with us are my choices,” stated the coach regarding Isco, who has been impressive with Betis this season.

On the topic of Ramos, De la Fuente was more decisive. “I spoke with him. I’ve never told anyone not to join the National Team, but I did convey that I have other players in mind,” he explained concerning the central defender.