Barcelona star Gavi has been ruled out for five months after knee surgery, but coach Hansi Flick insists the setback brings clarity and backed the 21-year-old to return stronger than ever.
Barcelona’s injury crisis has deepened after Gavi was ruled out for five months following knee surgery. The 21-year-old midfielder, who only recently returned from a cruciate ligament tear, will now miss the remainder of 2025.
Gavi sidelined again
Just two weeks into the new LaLiga season, Gavi suffered a meniscus injury in his right knee. What was initially thought to be a short-term issue has proven far more severe, forcing the Spain international into another lengthy spell on the sidelines. It’s a devastating blow for both the player and Barcelona, given Gavi’s importance to Hansi Flick’s midfield.
The youngster previously spent most of 2024 recovering from his ACL injury, which kept him out for months and cost him a place at Euro 2024. This fresh setback now means Barca won’t see him back in action until early 2026.
Flick insists there’s a positive side
Despite the grim news, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick chose to focus on the silver lining.
“When you receive news like this, you think it’s bad news, but for him personally, it’s good news,” Flick said ahead of Barca’s clash with Oviedo. “Now we know what to do. He’s 21 years old and has a very long career ahead of him. We have to get him 100 percent fit and keep him strong.”
Flick also praised Gavi’s passion and mentality: “He has a huge heart. He lives for this club. It’s not easy because he brings so much quality, but if anyone can handle this challenge, it’s Gavi.”
Barcelona’s midfield stretched
Gavi’s absence is compounded by another blow in midfield, with Fermin Lopez sidelined for three weeks after suffering a muscle injury against Getafe. That leaves Flick heavily reliant on Pedri and Frenkie de Jong as the Catalan giants navigate a tricky run of fixtures.
Still, Barcelona’s coach is confident Gavi will come back stronger. “He’s a professional. He knows it will be tough, but he has the quality to return to his best,” Flick concluded.
