Gavi sets a date for his return with Barça and 'wades in' on the World Cup

Pablo Páez Gavira, Gavi, could be one of the reinforcements for FC Barcelona in the second half of the season. The 22-year-old midfielder spoke with 'Mundo Deportivo' about his recovery and goals for 2026. Another injury to his right knee forced him to undergo surgery in September to treat the meniscus damaged in 2023, but the Andalusian is confident he will return at full strength within the expected timeframe.

"I'm meeting the deadlines they've set for me, and so far, everything is going very well. In theory, I could be well enough to play in five months," commented the player from Los Palacios y Villafranca. The '6' of Barça has not stopped working at the Ciutat Esportiva in recent weeks and only took four days off to spend Christmas with his family.

When will Gavi play for Barça again?

In principle, Gavi is expected to be medically discharged **at the end of February or the beginning of March**, depending on how the final stretch of his recovery progresses. The midfielder will certainly miss the Spanish Super Cup and the next six league matchdays, in addition to the closing stages of the **Champions** League group stageIf Hansi Flick's team ultimately has to play the round of 32 playoffs, the 22-year-old player's goal will be to be available for that tie. The Andalusian only played 21 minutes against Mallorca (0-3) and the second half against Levante (2-3) before injuring his right knee.

Gavi played at a high level in preseason, scoring 3 goals and 1 assist in the 4 friendlies Barça played in the summer. Regarding his relapse, the midfielder acknowledged the difficulty of being sidelined for so long, but also understands that the player "learns a lot" during those periods, especially to "have patience".

"What hurts me the most is seeing my teammates and not being able to play. But right now, all I want is to recover"

Gavi was out for almost a year due to a torn cruciate ligament with meniscus damage from late 2023 to October 2024. Last season, **the academy player scored 3 goals and provided 3 assists in 42 matches (1,688 minutes)**, while in 25/26 he provided a goal assist against Mallorca.

Gavi dreams of winning it all with Barça and reaching the World Cup

Looking ahead to 2026, the player from Los Palacios y Villafranca has clear objectives: **to recover his best physical and footballing form** to help Barcelona try to win the four titles at stake, as well as earning his place in Luis de la Fuente's World Cup squad.

"We cannot relax because no trophy has been decided yet," he argued about the Blaugrana's current situation. Barça closed the year as winter champions, but the entire second half of the season still remains to be played. And that's where Gavi could be key for Hansi Flick.

The presence of the '6' provides greater depth to the manager's rotation plan, thanks to the versatility of the Andalusian. Gavi can help out as a defensive pivot, but also as an inside midfielder, attacking midfielder, or 'false 9', a role he has successfully performed with the national team on several occasions.

"Hopefully we win many trophies this season, that would mean we've had a great campaign again, like last one... My teammates are having a great season"

Regarding La Roja, he added: "Going to the World Cup would be very good, it's what I want, although I have to focus on recovery, finishing the season with Barça, and then it would be great to be able to go."