Player is set to have a surgery at Catalonia after sustaining a dislocation at the European Championships in Slovakia
Barcelona full-back Gerard Martin has withdrawn from Spain’s U21 European Championship squad after suffering a hand injury in the opening match against Slovakia. The 23-year-old has returned to Barcelona, where he said that he is fully focused on the club amid recent speculation surrounding his future.
Martin sustained an injury in his right hand during Spain’s 3-2 win over Slovakia and was substituted at halftime. Medical tests confirmed that the dislocation would rule him out of the rest of the tournament.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) and Barcelona’s medical staff have worked closely since the injury and agreed that the player should return to Catalonia for treatment.
Speaking to reporters, Martin dismissed speculation linking him with a move away from Barcelona.
“I’m not paying attention to the rumours,” said the 23-year-old. “I’m happy and focused on Barcelona.
“I think the staff are also happy with me, with my growth and what I still have to improve. I’m not thinking about anything other than Barcelona, so I’m calm.”
The surgery is not expected to seriously impact the player’s availability for the club’s pre-season plans. He should be part of the squad that will tour Asia, Barcelona’s first visit of the region since 2019.
