Barcelona have announced that 21-year-old midfielder Gavi will undergo minor surgery, adding another setback to his complicated recovery from a knee problem.
The Spanish international, who appeared as a substitute in the club’s first two matches of the season, has been sidelined since late August after experiencing discomfort in his right knee during training.
Despite initial treatment, his recovery has not progressed as quickly as expected, leaving him still unavailable for selection. In a statement released on Monday morning, Barcelona outlined the sequence of developments that has led to the decision for surgical intervention.
“The first team player Pablo Martín Paez Gavira (Gavi) underwent intense sporting stress tests after finishing his conservation course of treatment for the radial injury to the internal meniscus in his right knee.
“The conclusion is that in order to guarantee the best possible recovery and return to competitive action, this Tuesday Gavi will undergo an arthroscopic examination by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau, under the supervision of the club’s medical staff. There will be another press release once the procedure has been carried out.”
An arthroscopic examination is considered a relatively minor procedure, but it still signals that Gavi’s recovery may take time with a possibility that the midfielder could be ruled out until November.
Barcelona remain cautious with the 20-year-old, especially after an ACL tear in November 2023 sidelined him for 11 months. The news coincided with another setback for the club, as they also confirmed that midfielder Fermín Lopez will miss up to three weeks with a muscle injury.
With the Blaugrana approaching a very demanding period that will see them play four matches in the space of ten days, Hansi Flick will be hoping to avoid anymore casualties within his squad.
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