Spain's FIFA World Cup preparations faced a setback when Barcelona's Gavi delivered a harsh tackle on veteran Manchester City midfielder Rodri, leaving him in visible pain on the ground. According to reports, the team, managed by Luis de la Fuente, encountered difficulties while refining their strategies in Chattanooga, USA, ahead of their World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15.
The atmosphere of calm and enjoyment during training was disrupted when Gavi executed a reckless tackle. Known for his aggressive playing style, he approached the training session with the same fervor as a competitive match. Unfortunately, he mistimed a challenge, striking Rodri's ankle with his studs. Rodri collapsed, grasping his leg in agony, while his teammates expressed concern. With the tournament just over a week away, Rodri's injury shocked the coaching staff, and he shot a frustrated glance at Gavi as he processed the situation.
Realizing the seriousness of his actions, Gavi quickly apologized, and medical personnel attended to Rodri. Although the images from the training session were concerning, Rodri managed to stand and complete the session, albeit with a slight limp. Fortunately, fears of him missing the tournament have eased.
Despite the injury scare, there were positive updates from the training session. Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams, both of whom have been dealing with injuries, continued their rehabilitation, as reported by Cadena SER. They participated in the initial phases of the workout, including warm-ups and rondos, but were kept away from high-intensity drills. It remains to be seen if they will be fit for the campaign opener, having been sidelined for over a month. Neither player is expected to participate in the upcoming match against Peru in Puebla, Mexico.