The midfielder suffered a heavy blow to his right leg during the match against Elche and later began experiencing discomfort. The situation caused concern, especially considering the significant injury problems he has dealt with in recent years.
Gavi Targets Barcelona Return Against Valencia
Good news for Hansi Flick. Gavi is making positive progress in his recovery from the knock that raised concerns at FC Barcelona and could be available again to face Valencia this Sunday in LaLiga.
However, this time everything suggests it was only a scare.
Tests ruled out a serious injury, and Gavi has been following an individual training program in recent days to completely overcome the discomfort. The next step will be to gradually increase his involvement in training and assess how he feels before Sunday’s match.
That is why, although his recovery is encouraging, there is still some time to go before his presence against Valencia can be confirmed.
Gavi’s Injury History Means Barcelona Must Be Patient
With Gavi, any physical problem inevitably causes some concern.
In November 2023, when he was just 19, the midfielder suffered the most serious injury of his career while playing for Spain against Georgia. The diagnosis confirmed a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, along with an associated injury to the lateral meniscus.
The recovery process was extremely long.
It took 336 days before he was able to play another official match for Barcelona. His return came in October 2024 against Sevilla, after spending almost a full year away from the field.
And that was not the last time he had to deal with a significant recovery process.
Two Major Injuries to His Right Knee
In September 2025, Gavi underwent surgery again, this time because of an injury to the medial meniscus in the same right knee.
Barcelona confirmed at the time that the midfielder had undergone arthroscopic surgery and that the meniscus had been repaired in order to preserve it. The initial recovery period was estimated at four to five months, although his absence ultimately lasted longer.
That is why the coaching staff have no reason to rush him now.
The current situation is very different and, for the moment, there is no indication of another significant structural problem. But after everything the midfielder has been through, the priority will be for him to gradually regain confidence and fitness before returning to competition.
Flick Hopes to Recover an Important Piece
For Hansi Flick, having Gavi available again would mean recovering a very valuable option in midfield.
His pressing intensity, aggression when winning the ball back and ability to operate in different positions give the coach a different profile within a squad that will face an increasingly demanding schedule.
Barcelona do not need to rush his return. The priority will be to see how he responds during the upcoming training sessions and avoid taking any unnecessary risks.
If the discomfort disappears and he completes the planned work without any problems, Gavi could return to Flick’s plans for the match against Valencia.
He is not ready yet.
But after the initial concern caused by the knock against Elche, everything suggests his return is getting closer.
Pablo Martín Páez Gavira
FC Barcelona
