Overview
- A training video that circulated widely showed Barcelona midfielder Gavi stepping on Manchester City and Spain teammate Rodri’s ankle during a practice session, leaving Rodri on the ground in visible pain.
- Rodri received pitchside medical attention, recovered to finish the session with a slight limp, and Spain officials say he did not suffer a tournament-ending injury.
- Spain coach Luis de la Fuente publicly defended Gavi’s intensity, saying he values the midfielder’s energy and will not ask him to tone down that style.
- Gavi apologized to Rodri on the pitch and teammates, including Yeremy Pino, offered lighthearted and supportive comments that emphasized squad unity.
- The episode added scrutiny because Rodri has been linked with a summer move to Real Madrid, but Spain will continue with a final friendly against Peru and World Cup preparations while managing other fitness issues for players such as Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.