With the 2023/24 season all but wrapped up, KickOff's Lukhanyo Mtuta takes a look at five players who were sorely missed by their clubs in the course of the campaign, including FC Barcelona's Gavi.
Gavi - FC Barcelona
In November 2023, the 19-year-old suffered a season-ending cruciate ligament tear while playing for Spain, which dealt Barca boss Xavi Hernandez a massive blow to his aspirations of defending the LALIGA title. Gavi was already an integral part of the team, having started in 11 of the first 12 league games he was available for. "It is a huge loss for us," Xavi said at the time, according to ESPN. "You can't replace him; the heart, passion, and courage he plays with. We have to try and find solutions without him, but it's difficult."
