FC Barcelona have received encouraging news ahead of Sunday afternoon’s home fixture against Sevilla FC after the return of Gavi to the matchday squad was officially confirmed. The energetic midfielder is now available again after several months on the sidelines.
The 21-year-old has not played since mid-August and could now feature at Spotify Camp Nou. Supporters have been eagerly awaiting his comeback following his lengthy recovery period.
Long recovery after knee surgery
Gavi only appeared in the opening two matches of the campaign against RCD Mallorca and Levante UD before it was decided that he required surgery. The procedure involved the same knee that suffered a serious ACL injury in 2023.
Initial expectations suggested the midfielder could return around February. However, the Catalan club opted for a cautious rehabilitation plan to reduce the possibility of further complications.
That patience has now paid off, with the club confirming that he has been given full medical clearance, making him eligible for selection in the upcoming league encounter.
Careful reintegration planned
The timing of the news is significant for FC Barcelona, who are currently facing difficulties in central midfield. Frenkie de Jong is unavailable because of injury, while Pedri and Marc Bernal have carried a heavy workload due to the lack of rotation options.
Despite the boost, head coach Hansi Flick does not intend to immediately restore the Spaniard to the starting lineup. The manager plans to reintroduce him gradually, similar to how Marc Bernal was managed earlier in the campaign, in order to limit the risk of another setback.
Whether Gavi will actually take to the field against Sevilla FC remains uncertain. His involvement may depend on how the match unfolds, as a closely contested situation could persuade the coaching staff to avoid taking any risks.