Barcelona have been dealt a significant setback after confirming that midfielder Gavi will be sidelined for up to five months following knee surgery. The 21-year-old, who had only just returned to full fitness after a serious injury last season, underwent an operation to repair cartilage damage sustained in training.
The Spain international had started Barcelona’s opening two matches of the 2025-26 campaign before suffering the setback in August. Initial fears were that he had suffered a recurrence of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear that ruled him out for 11 months between 2023 and 2024. While scans brought some relief by confirming that his ACL remained intact, the diagnosis of a medial meniscus injury has left him facing another lengthy recovery.
A club statement on Tuesday confirmed: “Gavi has had an arthroscopy to resolve a medial meniscus injury, which was sutured to preserve the meniscus. Recovery time is estimated at around four to five months.”
For Barcelona, the absence of one of their most dynamic midfielders is a bitter blow. Manager Hansi Flick admitted that losing Gavi will be felt deeply within the squad. “He’s a player with a big heart and a lot of emotion,” Flick said. “It’s not easy for this team, because he has a huge quality for us, but every one of us will support him and will help him to reach his level again.”
The timing is particularly frustrating given Gavi’s history with knee problems. In November 2023, he ruptured his ACL while on international duty with Spain, an injury that kept him out until the final weeks of last season. His return had been carefully managed by Barcelona’s medical staff, with Flick easing him back into action this summer. Now, however, the Catalan giants must once again plan without him.
Since breaking into the first team in 2021, Gavi has become a cornerstone of both Barcelona and the Spanish national side. He made history as the club’s fourth youngest debutant and has gone on to amass 155 appearances, scoring 10 goals and collecting five trophies. His relentless energy, fearless tackling, and creativity in possession have made him a fan favourite and an indispensable part of Barcelona’s midfield.
For Spain, too, his absence will be keenly felt. Gavi has already earned 28 caps and played a pivotal role in La Roja’s midfield during their rebuilding process. With international fixtures looming, his unavailability will force coach Luis de la Fuente into a tactical rethink.
Barcelona currently sit second in La Liga, five points behind arch-rivals Real Madrid but with a game in hand. The title race is expected to be fierce, and losing Gavi at this stage puts added pressure on Flick to find solutions from within his squad. Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, and İlkay Gündoğan will shoulder more responsibility in midfield, while youngsters like Fermín López could see increased playing time.
The injury also raises concerns about the physical toll on Barcelona’s midfield, with both Pedri and De Jong having missed chunks of recent seasons through injury. Flick, who arrived in the summer to succeed Xavi, will now have to balance his midfield carefully to avoid burnout among the remaining options.
For Gavi, the focus will be on rehabilitation once more. Having endured nearly a year on the sidelines previously, he is no stranger to the grind of recovery. At just 21, time remains on his side, and Barcelona are hopeful that the surgery to preserve his meniscus will ensure his long-term fitness.
While supporters will lament his absence in the months ahead, Gavi’s determination and work ethic have never been in doubt. Barcelona will hope to welcome him back in the spring, just in time for the crucial final phase of their season.
