Spain's Pedri has been ruled out for the remainder of the European Championship after suffering a grade two sprain in his left knee. The injury is expected to take several weeks to recover from, meaning the 18-year-old will miss Tuesday's semifinal against France and the final five days later should Spain continue to advance.
Spain midfielder Pedri has been officially ruled out for the remainder of the European Championship, after suffering an injury to his left knee as he limped off the field in tears.
The Spanish Football Federation said Saturday that Pedri has a "grade two sprain in his left knee.' This injury normally takes several weeks to recover from and so the 21-year-old will play no part in Tuesday’s semifinal against France or the final five days later should Spain continue to advance.
Pedri has been a key player at Euro 2020, starting four of Spain's five matches and missing only the final group match against Albania, when Spain was already assured of topping Group B.
The federation added, however, that Pedri will stay with the Spain squad for the rest of the tournament.
Dani Olmo came on for a tearful Pedri in the eighth minute — the fastest replacement in Euros history — after the Spain youngster suffered from a couple of hefty challenges from Toni Kroos.
Olmo scored in the 51st minute to give Spain a 1-0 lead over Germany. Spain won the match 2-1 after extra time and advanced to the semifinals, where it will play France.
A number of players from both sides were booked and, as a result, Spain won't have Álvaro Morata or Dani Carvajal available for the semifinal.
Pedri's injury is a major blow to Spain's hopes of winning the European Championship for the fourth time. The 18-year-old has been one of Spain's best players in the tournament, and his absence will be felt in midfield.
Spain will now have to find a way to replace Pedri in the starting lineup. Olmo is the most likely candidate to step into Pedri's role, but he will have big shoes to fill.
Pedri's injury is also a reminder of the physical demands of playing in a major tournament. The players are playing multiple matches in a short space of time, and the risk of injury is always high.
Spain will be hoping that Pedri's injury is not too serious, and that he will be able to return to action soon. However, for now, the team will have to focus on winning the European Championship without their star midfielder.
