Rivalry paused! Barcelona star Gavi receives surprise letter from Real Madrid president Florentino Perez after seeing his season all but ended by ACL injury blow

Gavi sustained a serious knee injury for Spain last weekend, rupturing his ACL in the first half of a Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgia. The midfielder, who appeared visually upset after the incident, could be out of action for up to a year. But Perez, Madrid's markedly anti-Barca president, has sent Gavi a note of encouragement, according to Cadena Cope.

Perez isn't the only supposed rival to show Gavi support. Madrid regulars Dani Carvajal and Joselu also took to social media to send messages of support to the Barcelona midfielder. Gavi is expected to undergo surgery on November 28, according to Sport.

Barca confirmed Gavi's injury in a club statement: "Test carried out on Monday morning on the first team player Gavi have shown that he has a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and an associated injury to the lateral meniscus. The player will have surgery in the coming days after which a new medical update will be released."

The Spanish midfielder is set to undergo surgery next week, and will start a lengthy rehab process. He is expected return around the start of the 2024-25 season.