Injured Barcelona midfielder sets an unfortunate record at Euro 2024

In a swift turn of events during Spain’s crucial Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Germany, Barcelona’s midfield sensation, Pedri, faced a devastating setback. 

Just moments into the match, Pedri was forced off the field due to injury, marking an unfortunate milestone as the quickest substitution in the tournament’s history. 

This abrupt exit, occurring in the 7th minute, overshadowed what was anticipated to be a thrilling encounter. After leaving the field, he set the unintentional record for the fastest substitution in the history the competition, claims Mundo Deportivo.

The previous record holder was Frank Ribery, who left the field in the 10th minute during France’s group-stage match against Italy.

The incident occurred shortly after kickoff when Pedri fell victim to a robust challenge from Germany’s Toni Kroos—a tackle that, despite its severity, went unpunished by referee Anthony Taylor. 

Initially recovering and attempting to soldier on, Pedri’s determination was short-lived as he succumbed to pain in his left knee moments later. The sight of Pedri leaving the pitch, visibly distressed and supported by concerned teammates, painted a grim picture for both Spain and Barcelona fans alike.

Unfortunate time to be injured

Pedri suffered an early injury during Germany’s defeat to Spain. (Photo by KIRILL KUDRYAVTSEV/AFP via Getty Images)

This latest injury setback raises serious concerns for Barcelona, particularly given Pedri’s history of fitness challenges. As the new season looms, the club’s management and fans are left anxiously awaiting updates on the extent of Pedri’s injury. 

Initial reports suggest a potential absence of up to six weeks, pending further evaluation of his ankle injury. Fortunately, medical experts indicate that such injuries typically do not necessitate surgical intervention, providing a glimmer of hope that Pedri’s recovery may not be prolonged.

For Pedri himself, this setback is a bitter pill to swallow after a an unpromising season that was marred by constant injuries. 

His absence will undoubtedly be felt deeply, not only on the pitch but also in the morale of his teammates and the broader footballing community. 

As speculation mounts over his recovery timeline and Barcelona’s contingency plans, the focus now shifts to ensuring Pedri receives the best possible care and rehabilitation to facilitate a swift return to action.