Barcelona’s Gavi sidelined for up to five months
Barcelona have been dealt a significant blow after midfielder Gavi was sidelined once again with a knee injury that will keep him out of action for an estimated four to five months. The 21-year-old, one of the brightest prospects to come through La Masia in recent years, picked up the injury during a training session in August, just weeks into the new season.
Gavi had featured in Barcelona’s opening two La Liga matches, continuing his reputation as a high-energy midfielder with relentless pressing and creativity. However, his progress was halted after he sustained a knock to his right knee. Initially, there were grave concerns that he might have suffered a recurrence of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear that kept him out for nearly a year in 2023.
Medical examinations, however, confirmed that Gavi had avoided a repeat ACL rupture. Instead, the scans revealed cartilage damage that required surgical intervention. Barcelona confirmed on Tuesday that the midfielder underwent a successful operation to repair the medial meniscus. The procedure was carried out via arthroscopy, with the meniscus sutured to preserve its integrity and improve long-term recovery prospects.
“Gavi has had an arthroscopy to resolve a medial meniscus injury, which was sutured to preserve the meniscus,” read the official club statement. “Recovery time is estimated at around four to five months.”
The news is still a setback for Barcelona, who had been hoping to count on Gavi’s energy and drive in midfield during a critical stretch of the season. Manager Hansi Flick, who is navigating his first campaign in charge at Camp Nou, admitted that the injury was a heavy blow both for the player and the team.
“He’s a player with a big heart and a lot of emotion,” Flick said after the announcement. “It’s not easy for this team, because he has huge quality for us, but every one of us will support him and help him to reach his level again. The most important thing is that he recovers fully, without rushing, so that he can return stronger.”
Barcelona’s Gavi Ruled Out for Up to Five Months After Knee Surgery
Gavi’s rapid rise to prominence began in 2021, when he made his senior debut at just 17 years old, becoming the fourth youngest debutant in Barcelona’s history. Since then, he has gone on to establish himself as a regular for both club and country, showcasing maturity and fearlessness that belied his age.
In just over three years, Gavi has amassed 155 appearances for Barcelona, scoring 10 goals and lifting five trophies, including La Liga and the Spanish Super Cup. His performances also earned him international recognition, as he became a fixture in Spain’s midfield under Luis Enrique and later Luis de la Fuente.
However, injuries have begun to cast a shadow over his promising career. In November 2023, he suffered a devastating ACL tear while on international duty, ruling him out for 11 months. His absence was felt deeply by Barcelona, who struggled with midfield depth during stretches of last season. The club and fans had been optimistic about his full recovery ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, only for this latest setback to arrive just as he was regaining rhythm.
Barcelona currently sit second in La Liga, five points adrift of arch-rivals Real Madrid but with a game in hand. Flick’s men have started the season with mixed performances, combining flashes of brilliance with moments of inconsistency. Gavi’s absence will undoubtedly test the squad’s depth, particularly in central midfield, where his intensity and work rate have often set the tone.
The Blaugrana will now have to rely more heavily on players such as Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, Ilkay Gündogan, and youngsters from La Masia to fill the void. The timing of the injury is especially frustrating for Flick, who had been keen to build a new identity around a dynamic midfield core.
Despite the disappointment, Barcelona have made it clear that they will prioritize Gavi’s long-term fitness over any short-term gains. With his previous injury still fresh in the memory, medical staff are determined to ensure that the recovery process is carefully managed, reducing the risk of recurrence.
For Gavi, the next few months will be about rehabilitation, patience, and mental resilience. Having already endured nearly a year on the sidelines with his ACL injury, he knows the road to recovery is long and demanding. Yet, his youth, determination, and work ethic give Barcelona confidence that he will return to the level that made him one of Europe’s most admired young midfielders.
As the Catalan giants chase domestic and European glory, they will do so without one of their most influential young stars. But for a player who has already overcome adversity, the hope remains that this is just another obstacle in a career destined for greatness.
Source- BBC
