Barcelona Star Gavi Sidelined for Months After Devastating Meniscus Injury

Barcelona may have welcomed back Frenkie de Jong and are nearing Lamine Yamal's comeback, but they've now lost Gavi for a substantial stretch.

The Spanish giants confirmed that Gavi has undergone arthroscopic surgery to address a medial meniscus problem, with rehabilitation expected to last approximately four to five months. The midfielder initially sustained the knee issue during training in August and hasn't featured in any matches since. The 21-year-old was initially expected to return around November, but the timeline now suggests a comeback in January or February 2026, contingent on his recovery progress.

De Jong was absent for Barcelona's encounter with Valencia following the September international window but has since featured against Newcastle United and Getafe in Champions League and La Liga action respectively. Yamal is close to making his return after sustaining a groin problem while on Spain duty, though Hansi Flick continues to await the fitness of both Fermín López and Alejandro Balde. The German tactician was openly critical of Spain's management of Yamal.

Gavi, who claimed the Kopa Trophy, initially established himself in Barcelona's senior squad during the 2021–22 campaign. Overall, he has registered 155 appearances for the club, contributing 10 goals and 18 assists from his central midfield position. Following 70 league outings between 2021–23, fitness issues have hampered subsequent seasons with only 38 La Liga appearances across the last two campaigns.

With this setback set to keep him out for an extended duration, doubts regarding his Barcelona future and potential inclusion in the 2026 FIFA World Cup squad may emerge.

Maintaining the fitness of both De Jong and Pedri will be crucial for Flick going forward considering Gavi's unavailability. The defending La Liga titleholders meet Real Sociedad on Sept. 28, Paris Saint-Germain on Oct. 1 and Sevilla on Oct. 5 before the international break.