Barcelona hit with double injury blows

Barcelona have been dealt a major blow with confirmation that midfielder Gavi will be sidelined for up to five months following knee surgery. The 21-year-old underwent an operation to address a meniscus problem in his right knee, which has turned out to be more severe than initially expected.

The setback comes less than two years after Gavi endured a lengthy spell out of action due to a cruciate ligament tear suffered in late 2023. That injury kept him out for much of the 2023–24 campaign, and his latest issue raises fresh concerns about his long-term fitness.

Club doctors had initially hoped the Spain international would return sooner, but further assessment revealed the damage required a more complex surgical procedure. Barcelona confirmed the extended recovery timeline in a statement released this week.

Gavi’s absence will be keenly felt by manager Hansi Flick, who has relied heavily on the young midfielder’s energy and creativity. His injury leaves the Catalan giants short of options in the middle of the park as they prepare for a busy run of fixtures in La Liga and the Champions League.

The news is also a setback for Spain, with Gavi set to miss key international matches as the national team continues its preparations for next summer’s European Championship. His dynamism and versatility have been central to Luis de la Fuente’s plans in midfield.

Barcelona are expected to lean on players such as Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and new signing Fermín López to fill the void. However, replacing Gavi’s influence both defensively and offensively will be no easy task as the club aims to stay competitive across all fronts this season.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s planned return to the Spotify Camp Nou has been blocked once again after the City Council refused to grant the necessary licence to reopen the stadium. 

The club had hoped to welcome Real Sociedad this weekend with a reduced capacity of 27,000 fans, but security concerns linked to the ongoing renovations have halted those plans.

As a result, Hansi Flick’s side will be forced to play at an alternative venue while construction continues.