Gavi Set for Barcelona Return Against Sevilla After Knee Injury
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that Spanish midfielder Gavi is available for selection when the Catalan giants host Sevilla at Camp Nou on Sunday, marking a significant milestone in the 21-year-old’s recovery from a severe knee injury sustained in August.
Gavi, who has been sidelined for over seven months, will be included in the matchday squad and could feature from the bench as Barcelona look to maintain their position at the top of La Liga.
“He’s available, I’m happy, maybe he’s also available for some minutes, it’s good to have him back and you can see in the training his dynamic,” Flick told reporters during his pre-match press conference. “I like what I see, but also we have to take care of him.”
The Spain international suffered the setback during the early weeks of the 2025/26 season, continuing a troubling injury pattern that has disrupted his development at the highest level. Gavi previously missed the majority of the 2023/24 campaign after sustaining a serious anterior cruciate ligament injury to his right knee while on international duty with Spain in November 2023. That injury required surgery and kept him out of action for nearly 11 months before he returned to competitive football in October 2024.
His latest knee problem, though not officially confirmed as another ACL tear, has been described by Barcelona medical staff as severe enough to require extensive rehabilitation and careful management upon his return to first-team duties.
Despite the recurring setbacks, Flick expressed confidence in Gavi’s readiness and praised the midfielder’s commitment to regaining full fitness.
“At the moment he’s got the right attitude from what I can see and this is good,” the German manager added. “I love his intention to play, to give everything for this club and this team, and it’s good news that he’s back.”
Gavi’s return could not come at a more critical time for Barcelona, who are navigating a congested fixture schedule with matches in both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League. The midfielder’s tenacity, work rate, and ability to press aggressively in central areas have been sorely missed during his absence, particularly in matches where Barcelona have struggled to control the tempo in midfield.
Since breaking into Barcelona’s first team under former manager Xavi Hernández during the 2021/22 season, Gavi has established himself as one of the most promising young midfielders in European football. He became Spain’s youngest ever player at a major tournament when he featured at Euro 2020 at the age of 17, and he played a key role in Spain’s UEFA Nations League triumph in 2023 before his long-term injury interrupted his progress.
Barcelona currently sit four points clear at the top of La Liga with Real Madrid in second place. Madrid, managed by Carlo Ancelotti, are scheduled to face Elche on Saturday, a day before Barcelona’s clash with Sevilla, meaning the Blaugrana could extend their lead to seven points temporarily if they secure all three points at Camp Nou.
Flick’s side are also preparing for a midweek Champions League fixture against Newcastle United on Wednesday, raising questions over squad rotation and player workload management. When asked whether teenage sensation Lamine Yamal might be rested for the Sevilla match to preserve him for European competition, Flick remained noncommittal.
“We will see,” the former Bayern Munich and Germany manager said, suggesting that final decisions on team selection would be made closer to kickoff.
Yamal, 18, has been one of Barcelona’s standout performers this season, continuing his remarkable rise since becoming the club’s youngest ever debutant in 2023. The winger has contributed significantly to Barcelona’s attacking output and has been virtually ever-present in Flick’s starting lineup since the German took charge ahead of the current campaign.
Barcelona’s fixture congestion will test the depth of Flick’s squad, particularly in midfield where injuries and suspensions have occasionally stretched resources. The return of Gavi provides the manager with an additional option alongside established midfielders such as Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and FermÃn López.
Sevilla, meanwhile, arrive in Catalonia amid their own struggles this season. The Andalusian club, historically one of Spain’s most successful sides in European competition, have endured a difficult campaign and currently sit in the lower half of the La Liga table. Despite their poor form, Sevilla have a history of producing strong performances against Barcelona, and Flick is expected to field a competitive lineup to avoid any slip-ups that could allow Real Madrid to close the gap at the top.
Barcelona have won 27 La Liga titles in their history, most recently in the 2022/23 season under Xavi. Flick, who was appointed in the summer of 2025, has overseen an impressive start to the season, blending experienced players with talented youngsters to create a dynamic and competitive side capable of challenging for domestic and European honors.
Gavi’s return, though cautious and gradual, represents a boost to Barcelona’s ambitions as they chase silverware on multiple fronts. His ability to contribute defensively, win duels, and drive forward with intensity has made him a fan favorite at Camp Nou, and supporters will be eager to see him back in action after months on the sidelines.
The match against Sevilla kicks off on Sunday afternoon, with Barcelona aiming to consolidate their position at the summit of Spanish football.