FC Barcelona in suspense: Gavi could miss the match against Benfica

In just under 48 hours, FC Barcelona will step onto the pitch at the Estádio da Luz to face Benfica in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League. A match from which Gavi could be absent, as his participation is in doubt. The Andalusian did not train with his teammates this Monday, so his involvement this Wednesday is not yet fully guaranteed.

This March 3rd, a training session was scheduled where those players who did not see minutes in the match last Sunday against Real Sociedad trained at a higher intensity than the starters, who had a recovery training. The blue-and-maroon '6' was supposed to be part of the first group, but a fever prevented him from putting on his kit.

The player approached the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper, where the club's medical staff checked him before he left the facilities without being able to work on the grass. His progress in the coming hours will determine his availability for the match on Wednesday, although the newspaper 'SPORT' reports that he is expected to travel to Lisbon with the rest of the team this Tuesday at noon.

Gavi was also absent against Real Sociedad

This health setback for Gavi had already prevented him from adding minutes in the rout of Barça against Real last Sunday, as confirmed by Flick in the post-match press conference. "I had planned to start with Gavi, but he wasn't feeling well, he had a fever and we changed the plan. That's why Olmo played," explained the German. A frustrating situation for the Andalusian, who was eager to step onto the field at Montjuïc to start regaining the prominence he has lost in recent weeks.

Now, with two days left before the match against the Lisbon team, it seems difficult to imagine that the player from Los Palacios will be a starter at Da Luz. Not only due to doubts surrounding his health status but also because Dani Olmo seems to have taken the lead in the race for the attacking midfield position. The Egarense comes off two assists against the Donostiarras and is the favorite to start this Wednesday, although the club also wants to proceed with maximum caution regarding the player due to recent injury history.