Gavi
BAR
Returns on bench
Gavi (knee) is on the bench for Sunday's La Liga clash against Valencia after recently returning to team training.
Analysis: Gavi's inclusion marks his return to the matchday squad following his spell on the sidelines with a knee issue, though Barcelona are opting not to immediately put him back into the starting XI. The midfielder should be available to contribute from the bench Sunday as he rebuilds his match rhythm. With Rodri adding further competition in central midfield, Gavi's energy, pressing and ability to play with intensity should nevertheless make him a valuable option as Barcelona enter a busier stretch of the schedule.
Makes squad vs. Valencia
Gavi (knee) is available for Sunday's match against Valencia.
Analysis: Gavi returned to team training earlier in the week, and the midfielder is set to return to the bench just in time before the calendar gets crowded with the UCL starting next week. Gavi should be an option off the bench following the summer signing of Rodri.
Back in team training
Gavi (knee) returned to team training Thursday ahead of Sunday's clash against Valencia, according to Mundo Deportivo.
Analysis: Gavi missed the following two matches against Athletic and Rayo, but is now expected to be included in the squad list for the upcoming match at Mestalla. His return marks the end of a roughly two week absence, though he could face a more limited role going forward given the competition in midfield from Rodri and Marc Bernal.
Set to return to pitch Thursday
Gavi (knee) is expected to return to the training pitch Thursday and complete a significant part of the session with his teammates, SPORT reports.
Analysis: Gavi suffered a right knee contusion after taking a heavy blow during the La Liga opener against Elche, with tests ruling out structural damage and allowing Barcelona to manage his recovery through individual work on grass. He is now set to take part in meaningful group training Thursday for the first time since the injury, representing an encouraging step toward full availability after roughly two weeks out. His progress will continue to be assessed based on how the knee responds rather than a fixed return date, although his eventual role could be more limited with Rodri now in the squad and Marc Bernal performing well in midfield, leaving Gavi more likely to serve as a depth option for coach Hansi Flick.
Set to miss one week
Gavi (knee) is expected to remain sidelined for approximately one week as he recovers from a right knee contusion, according to coach Hansi Flick. "Gavi is fine. He's much better than he was after the game. We have to wait a week for him to return."
Analysis: Gavi has avoided a significant injury after medical tests confirmed only a contusion to his right knee, but he will not be rushed back into action. The midfielder is set to miss Thursday's clash against Athletic Club and will spend approximately another week recovering before returning to contention. The positive diagnosis is particularly encouraging given Gavi's injury history, with Barcelona opting for a cautious approach before reintegrating him into the midfield rotation.
Avoids serious knee injury
Gavi (knee) was diagnosed with a bruise to his right knee and is expected to return to training shortly, the club posted.
Analysis: Gavi underwent medical tests after being forced off during Sunday's match against Elche, with the results ruling out a more serious injury. The midfielder is dealing only with a bruise and is expected to resume training shortly, making a lengthy absence unlikely. His progress over the next few days should determine his availability for Thursday's clash against Athletic Club. Gavi's quick return would be a boost after injuries limited him to 49 La Liga appearances over the previous three seasons.
Off with injury, set for testing
Gavi was forced off in the 45th minute of Sunday's match against Elche due to a knee injury and is set for testing Monday, according to Alfredo Martinez. Manager Hansi Flick said after the game "Yes, it's the knee, and we have to wait. It feels better than expected that he felt much better right after the injury, after the match. But we have to wait; he'll undergo tests tomorrow, and we'll see", per Fran Fuentes of El Desmarque.
Analysis: Gavi would slide in for a tackle and end up taking the worst of it, as he would immediately reach for his lower leg and would be forced to exit right after. He would then immediately head to the locker room with a clear look of pain on his face. He will now head in for testing to determine the extent of the injury, praying for nothing too serious. That said, he already missed most of last season due to injury, which has been a common occurrence for the young midfielder, only playing 49 matches in the past three La Liga seasons. The good news is Pedri and new signing Rodri are waiting on the bench, having the duo that won Spain the World Cup in the midfield ready to go.
Back early from vacation
Gavi is back early from his vacation to be ready for the new season with Barcelona, according to the club.
Analysis: Gavi returned from a serious ACL injury to make just 11 LaLiga appearances last season, contributing one assist as he continued rebuilding his fitness after nearly 18 months on the sidelines. He earned a recall to Spain's World Cup squad off the back of that recovery, working his way into the starting XI in central midfield during the tournament, and his early return to club training now shifts focus to preseason preparations as he looks to build on his comeback heading into the new 2026/27 La Liga season.
Quiet in WC opener
Gavi recorded one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Cape Verde.
Analysis: Gavi started on the left side of the attack in Spain's World Cup opener, playing out of position due to Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal not quite being fit enough to start. Gavi was fairly ineffective, only attempting one off-target shot and failing to create a chance despite his side being on the attack for nearly the entire match. He was subbed off in the 71st minute for the aforementioned Yamal who immediately provided more dynamism to the Spain attack. With Yamal and Williams now fit, Gavi will almost certainly return to the bench for Sunday's match versus Saudi Arabia.
Busy defensively
Gavi had three tackles (two won), one clearance and one interception in Sunday's 3-1 win versus Betis.
Analysis: Gavi didn't get involved in the attack during Sunday's win, but he was busy defensively throughout the match. He shutdown numbers attacks and was excellent at turning possession into offense during the second half. Gavi hasn't been the most active attacking threat this season, but he's still rounded into an excellent midfielder with room to grow.
Subbed off on Wednesday
Gavi recorded no stats in Wednesday's 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Gavi had little impact in the game, recording only 17 touches and 12 passes. He was substituted at halftime for Fermin Lopez. This season, Gavi has started just twice and has yet to play a full 90 minutes as his minutes are being managed due to the injury that sidelined him for most of the campaign.
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