Gavi poised to rejoin Barcelona lineup against Sevilla following seven-month hiatus.
Barcelona midfielder Gavi has been authorized to return to play against Sevilla in LaLiga on Sunday after nearly seven months sidelined due to a knee issue.
The 21-year-old has not participated since Barça’s victory over Levante on August 23, as he required surgery to address a meniscus issue in his right knee.
“He’s available again and I am really pleased,” Barça coach Hansi Flick stated during a news conference on Saturday.
“He’s doing well. He understands it’s a gradual process. It’s not easy for him, and we recognize he needs to play for many more years, so we must consider that as well, but it will be a special match for him.
“He has the right mindset regarding that. We will observe how he progresses from this point. I appreciate his eagerness to represent the club and the team. It’s positive news that he’s back.”
This marks the second significant injury Gavi has faced in his brief career.
After accumulating over 100 appearances for the club as a teenager, an ACL tear sustained while playing for Spain at the end of 2024 kept him out for nearly a year.
He made his return last season, featuring in 42 matches, many as a substitute, before the meniscus issue interrupted his comeback at the beginning of the current season.
Gavi’s return is timely as Barça aims to secure victories in both LaLiga and the Champions League.
They will host Sevilla in the league this weekend, seeking to preserve their four-point advantage over Real Madrid at the top of the standings.
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Newcastle United will then visit Spotify Camp Nou on Wednesday for the second leg of the last 16 in the Champions League. The two teams played to a 1-1 draw in England last week.
Barça will still be without the injured Andreas Christensen, Jules Koundé, Alejandro Balde, and Frenkie de Jong for these two matches.
Flick mentioned that young player Xavi Espart is a “good option” to step in at right-back against Sevilla after impressing on his debut against Newcastle in midweek, while the German coach also indicated that Lamine Yamal might be rested this weekend.
