The medical staff of FC Barcelona is still awaiting the evolution of Pablo Gavi. The 21-year-old midfielder was out for the match against Rayo (1-1) for matchday 3 of LaLiga and with the Spanish National Team for the September FIFA date due to an injury to his right knee.
In the last training session prior to the trip to Vallecas, the '6' culé suffered a blow that prevented him from finishing the session. The next day, Barça confirmed a minor injury, although they did not specify his period of absence. In that sense, the player's evolution marks his availability and, for the moment, it does not generate good feelings regarding his return to action after the break.
Barça could lose Gavi against Valencia and Newcastle
According to 'RAC1', it is very likely that Hansi Flick will decide to take care of Gavi for the match against Valencia next Sunday, September 14 (9:00 p.m.). Everything will depend on whether the discomfort in his knee disappears during the week and the midfielder manages to train normally, at least, from Thursday.
That day, the coaching staff will recover the full squad after the international break, starting the preparation for the match of matchday 4 of La Liga. Barça aims to debut as a local team in the tournament at the Johan Cruyff Stadium, probably with the absence of the '6' and the expected return of Marc Bernal.
Unlike Gavi, the one from Berga has been able to train normally in recent days. The Andalusian, on the other hand, would also be doubtful for the Champions League debut against Newcastle, on Thursday, September 18 in England. In any case, the club will wait at least five more days to determine whether or not the youth player can play the next two matches.
Gavi has worked apart from the group during the break
The Barça squad worked this week at the Ciutat Esportiva de Sant Joan Despí without the 15 international players called up for the FIFA date. The only additional absences were Marc-André ter Stegen and Gavi, the latter due to the persistence of pain in his knee.
"The plan is for him to be available for Valencia. We'll see how he evolves. Today he's better than yesterday. We are positive", said Hansi Flick in the press conference prior to the visit to Vallecas. However, a week has passed and the midfielder has not overcome his discomfort in the area.
In that context, since it is the same knee operated on at the end of 2023 (complete rupture of the cruciate ligament and an injury associated with the external meniscus), the club will reinforce caution with the Andalusian, who in the first two matchdays of La Liga, against Mallorca and Levante played 66 minutes, being a substitute in both matches.
The '6' entered for Pau Cubarsí in the 69th minute against the 'bermellón' team, while against Levante he played the entire second half, replacing Marc Casadó at halftime. During the preseason, the player from Los Palacios y Villafranca performed at a high level, adding 3 goals and 1 assist in 4 matches (144 minutes).