Gavi injury concerns ease after Barcelona midfielder receives reassuring medical assessment

Barcelona have been given encouraging news over Gavi’s condition after medical tests on Monday morning suggested the midfielder has not suffered a serious injury against Elche in the opening match of the La Liga season.

The 21-year-old was forced off before half-time during Barcelona’s game after an Elche player collided with his right leg. It was the same knee on which Gavi suffered a major injury in 2023, prompting immediate concern among the Barcelona players, staff and supporters.

Gavi was attempting to press an Elche player when the incident occurred. He went down after the contact and was unable to continue, leading manager Hansi Flick to replace him with Pedri before the interval.

The midfielder returned to the substitutes’ bench in the second half, but appeared uncomfortable as he waited for the results of the medical examinations. The initial indications are that the problem is not serious, although Barcelona have yet to establish whether he will be fit to face Athletic Club on Thursday.

His availability for that match will depend on how his condition develops over the next few days.

Gavi also moved to reassure Barcelona supporters through a post on Instagram after the incident had caused alarm during the match.

“Thank you to everyone who always supports me and accompanies me until death… I don’t understand football in any other way, and I’m sorry that I made you suffer so much,” he wrote.

The scare came after Gavi had started in his usual position in Barcelona’s midfield. He had spent the recent period working to recover his full physical condition after representing Spain at the World Cup, beginning his training programme early in an effort to reach peak fitness before the new campaign started.

That preparation had allowed him to return to the starting line-up for Barcelona’s league opener, but the blow to his right leg revived memories of the serious injury he sustained two years ago.

Barcelona are now likely to monitor Gavi closely rather than make an immediate decision on his participation against Athletic Club. The reassuring medical findings have reduced fears of another major setback, but the club will assess his progress during the coming days before deciding whether he can play.

The midfielder’s withdrawal meant Pedri was introduced earlier than expected against Elche, while Gavi watched the remainder of the match from the bench. His condition will therefore remain a point of attention for Flick as Barcelona prepare for their next fixture.