EURO 2024
Why is Pedri not playing for Spain? Barça star forced off early against Germany
The first of the quarterfinals pitted two of the favourites against each other, but one of the young Spanish players didn’t last long.
The idea of Spain against Germany in the quarterfinals of Euro 24 had football enthusiasts licking their lips. As hosts, the Germans were always in with a shout of lifting the title this year, and had several players, both experienced and fresh-faced, to suggest it was more than just location. Spain, on the other hand, arrived without too much expectation, from home or abroad, but the organisation that Luis de la Fuente has instilled, along with flowing, skillful play, quickly shifted them to arguably the team of the tournament.
One of those stars is young Pedri, who impresses at Barcelona week in, week out. He took to the field once again on Friday as part of the starting XI hoping to quieten the crowd, but it was the player’s ability to perform that was quickly silenced.
Why was Pedri substituted?
In the early stages of the game, just six minutes in, a break out of defence by the Spanish youngster was stopped abruptly by Toni Kroos. Yes, the Real Madrid legend. Pedri was hurt on the knee but after a short break was back at it. It wasn’t to last.
A few minutes later and more tidy footwork, this time from Barça teammate Lamine Yamal is ended by Kroos. Somehow, the veteran midfielder escaped a booking on either occasion from English referee, Anthony Taylor. As play was stopped for him, the pain for Pedri to continue was too much, and Dani Olmo warmed up to come on in his place.
What injury did Pedri sustain?
As the game moved into the second half, news came from the Spanish football federation that Pedri had suffered an internal lateral sprain to his left-knee. This information means that his participation in the Euros are now definitely over. More tests will be done on the player’s injury.