FC Barcelona is following Pablo Gavi's progress with great concern. For now, there is no concrete confirmed injury in the midfielder's right knee, but there is some discomfort in the meniscus that prevents him from training normally. As it is the area operated on in 2023 after the ACL rupture, there were fears of the '6' having to undergo surgery again.
This would be to 'clean' the meniscus, which was also affected after the fateful match against Georgia with Spain on September 8, 2023. According to information leaked by the 'Què t'hi jugues' program on the 'SER' network, Barça, for now, will opt for conservative treatment to alleviate the ailments of the 20-year-old player.
The right internal meniscus, the root of Gavi's ailments
During his almost year-long absence (he returned to action in October 2024), Gavi had his right knee's external meniscus affected. Now, luckily, the discomfort is in the internal meniscus. The difference is that, if it were the external meniscus, an arthroscopy would definitely be necessary to clean the area.
This procedure, although minimally invasive, would require 6 to 8 weeks of downtime. In contrast, conservative treatment involves one or two weeks of specific work to rehabilitate the knee. Thus, the Andalusian's progress will determine his availability, but his absence in Sunday's Barça-Valencia match is almost certain.
The Blaugrana team returns to action after the league break with their first home game of the 25/26 season, which points to the Johan Cruyff as an alternative venue. Gavi's discomfort began on Friday, September 29, in the training session before the visit to Vallecas.
Before the match against Rayo, the '6' played 21 minutes in matchday 1 against Mallorca (0-3) and 45' against Levante (2-3), being a substitute in both commitments. The midfielder performed very well in the preseason, scoring 3 goals and 1 assist in the four summer friendlies (144 minutes).
Gavi's possible absence against Valencia, a big problem for Hansi Flick
In this sense, the possible absence of the player from Los Palacios y Villafranca against Valencia could be a serious problem for Hansi Flick. The coach is also attentive to Frenkie de Jong's progress, who was diagnosed with a 'minimal' injury near his right glute.
In principle, the Dutchman would be a substitute on Sunday if he is not at 100%. Marc Casadó is expected to start alongside Pedri in midfield, while Eric García and Marc Bernal, who could return to a squad list on matchday 4 of La Liga, are the other available alternatives for the pivot position.
Even Andreas Christensen, who played at a remarkable level with his national team during the FIFA break (scoring one goal in two games) and started as a center-back against Rayo, can also lend a hand as a '5' in an emergency. Four days after the clash against Carlos Corberán's team, Barcelona makes its Champions League debut away against Newcastle. Will Gavi be available in England?