Gavi Suffers Fresh Setback as Barcelona Deliver Alarming Injury News
Barcelona have announced that Gavi must undergo minor surgical intervention as his recovery from a knee problem becomes increasingly complex.
Following substitute appearances in Barcelona's first two matches of the campaign, Gavi was compelled to leave training at August's end due to right knee discomfort. The 21-year-old has remained absent from play, and initial treatment has failed to produce the rapid recovery that all parties had anticipated.
A formal Barcelona statement issued Monday morning detailed the troubling sequence of developments: "First team player Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (Gavi) completed rigorous athletic stress evaluations after concluding his conservative treatment program for the radial tear of the internal meniscus in his right knee.
"The determination is that to ensure optimal recovery and return to competitive play, Gavi will undergo arthroscopic evaluation this Tuesday by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau, with club medical staff oversight. Another announcement will follow once the procedure is completed."
Arthroscopic evaluation represents a minimally invasive surgical procedure, though it suggests a prolonged absence. ESPN reports that Gavi may remain unavailable until November. The club exercises particular caution with their determined midfielder following an ACL rupture in November 2023 that sidelined him for 11 months.
Gavi's news arrived alongside Barcelona's confirmation that midfielder Fermín López faces up to three weeks out with a muscle problem.
Hansi Flick lacks squad depth due to Barcelona's stringent financial constraints and expressed concern following this weekend's Getafe triumph that "maintaining everyone's fitness is crucial."
Pedri, Frenkie de Jong and Dani Olmo still form a powerful midfield combination that served as Flick's preferred selection last season. Marc Casadó remains available along with returning academy prospect Marc Bernal. All options must be evaluated in the coming weeks as Barcelona navigate four matches within 10 days before next month's international window.