Barcelona is set to welcome back Gavi for their upcoming match against Sevilla, marking the midfielder’s return after a lengthy injury layoff. Gavi, sidelined since the second matchday of the league, will take the field again 204 days after his last appearance for the club.
The 21-year-old Andalusian faced a challenging period following a knee injury that required surgery on his meniscus. His return comes amid cautious optimism from head coach Flick, who emphasized the importance of a gradual reintegration for the young talent. “I am happy about his return; it is great news,” Flick said. “We have to proceed step by step because it has not been easy for him, and he still has many years ahead in football.”
Gavi’s injury history began over a year ago with a torn anterior cruciate ligament accompanied by meniscus damage. After a return in the previous season’s match against Sevilla, he re-injured his knee during pre-season, necessitating surgery on September 23 to address issues with the internal meniscus of his right knee. Following a 40-match absence, Sevilla will once again be the opponent witnessing Gavi’s comeback.
Barcelona head coach Flick is also contemplating possible squad rotations ahead of their midweek Champions League round of 16 clash against Newcastle. The team’s recent busy schedule, with four matches in 11 days, has limited the options for fresh adjustments. Flick mentioned uncertainties about the starting lineup, particularly for emerging players such as Lamine Yamal and Xavi Espart, the latter having debuted officially in Newcastle.
Alongside Gavi’s return, Eric García is expected to rejoin the squad after missing recent matches due to suspension and last-minute fitness concerns. However, there are confirmed absences for Sunday’s fixture:
1. Frenkie de Jong (expected back after the international break)
2. Jules Koundé
3. Alejandro Balde
4. Andreas Christensen
These player unavailabilities will require careful management as Barcelona approaches a critical phase in both domestic and European competitions.
The timing of Gavi’s comeback coincides with the club’s presidential election day, underscoring a period of transition both on and off the pitch. Flick’s approach combines cautious optimism with strategic rest for key players, aiming to balance squad freshness ahead of the important fixtures ahead.
With this context, Barcelona’s squad looks to respond positively against a familiar rival in Sevilla, while carefully integrating Gavi and preserving the team’s competitive edge for the Champions League challenge next week.
Read more at: espndeportes.espn.com
