Gavi: Injury progress & potential return date for Barcelona midfielder
- Gavi was forced off during Spain's victory over Georgia in November
- The Barcelona midfielder suffered a serious knee injury
- The 19-year-old is expected to miss Euro 2024
There is a reason why club managers loathe the international break so much, and Xavi had every right to vent his frustrations after Gavi succumbed to a long-term injury in November.
With 26 minutes played at the Estadio Jose Zorrilla, Spain tied with Georgia in a Euro 2024 qualifier they would go on to win 3-1, Gavi hobbled off the pitch in Valladolid with a nasty-looking knee injury.
The midfielder left the field in tears, with his worst fears soon realised after undergoing scans upon his return to Catalonia. Unfortunately for Gavi and Barcelona, the news wasn't good.
Here is the latest on Gavi's injury.
What injury does Gavi have?
After Gavi underwent medical inspection, the worst fears harboured by the fanbases of Barcelona and Spain were confirmed.
In a club statement, Barcelona revealed: "Tests carried out on Monday morning on the first team player Gavi have shown that he has a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee and an associated injury to the lateral meniscus.
"The player will have surgery in the coming days after which a new medical update will be released."
When will Gavi return from injury?
Updates have come few and far between since Gavi's surgery was confirmed. Thus, the midfielder is still expected to miss the rest of the 2023/24 season as well as Euro 2024 in the summer.
That means that Gavi will have to pencil in a return to action at the beginning of next season. Hopefully, this won't have a devastating impact on the progression of the teenager as he blossoms into one of the most exciting midfielders in world football.
Barcelona have reportedly been irked by Spain manager Luis de la Fuente's decision to play Gavi during both November Euro 2024 qualifiers against Cyprus and Georgia, with the 62-year-old questioned over his selection of the youngster.
De la Fuente responded: "I understand Barca's complaints, but, if it wasn't Gavi, it could have happened to someone else.
"This can happen in a La Liga match, in training or in any situation. Sometimes we don't realise the risk that each moment entails when you put on your boots. It was an accident, a misfortune, but Gavi was perfectly ready to play."
What Barcelona games has Gavi missed due to injury?
By the time Gavi is expected to return, the midfielder would've missed 34 Barcelona games.
The Spaniard played 90 minutes during the first El Clasico of the season, but has missed - and will continue to - a litany of significant fixtures amid Barca's La Liga title defence. Gavi was also absent for the final two Champions League group stage matches with the club progressing into the knockout stages for the first time since Xavi was appointed manager.
How have Barcelona done without Gavi and who has replaced him?
Gavi has an enormous miss for Xavi. Since making his senior debut over two years ago, no outfield player can match Gavi's tally of 111 appearances for Barcelona. The 19-year-old had been in typically impressive form this season, adapting to a new role at the base of midfield to cover for other absentees in the squad.
Xavi benefitted from the returns of Pedri and Frenkie de Jong in the aftermatch of Gavi's long-term injury, but the Barca boss has struggled to establish midfield balance. While Ilkay Gundogan has produced from an advanced role, Xavi has opted to deploy centre-back Andreas Christensen at the base of midfield with Oriol Romeu struggling to settle after joining the club in the summer.
Pedri has often impressed when fit and available, occasionally being used in a deeper role, while De Jong remains the key stabilising force in Barca's midfield.
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