Sophia
Barcelona face a significant setback as midfield maestro Gavi has been ruled out of this weekend’s clash against Rayo Vallecano due to discomfort in his right knee. The news sends ripples of concern through Catalonia, especially given the young Spaniard’s recent history with severe knee injuries.
Alarm Bells Ring in Catalonia
The 21-year-old midfielder was unable to complete Friday’s training session, immediately raising alarms within the club. Following further tests, Barcelona officially confirmed Gavi’s unavailability for Sunday’s trip to Madrid. The discomfort has also forced his withdrawal from the Spain squad for the upcoming September international break, meaning he will miss La Roja’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Türkiye.
Barcelona’s official statement provided limited details, only stating that Gavi’s “availability will depend on how his recovery progresses.” This lack of a definitive timeline has fueled speculation and worry among fans and pundits alike.
A Troubling History of Knee Issues
This latest injury is particularly concerning given Gavi’s recent and severe history with knee problems. The Spain international suffered a devastating ACL injury in November 2023, which sidelined him for a grueling 11 months. The fear now is that this new discomfort could lead to another extended period on the sidelines, a prospect that would be a significant blow to both the player and the club.
While Barcelona has not disclosed the full severity of the current issue, reports from AS suggest it is serious enough to keep Gavi out for more than just the Rayo Vallecano match. Should this prove true, the La Masia product is at risk of missing Barcelona’s highly anticipated return to the Camp Nou on September 14th.
Race Against Time for Champions League
Adding to the pressure, Gavi is also in a race against time to be fit for Barcelona’s first 2025–26 Champions League league phase fixture against Newcastle United on September 18th. His presence would be crucial for Hansi Flick’s side as they embark on their European campaign.
Despite his limited minutes this season, Gavi has already made an impact. In just 66 minutes on the pitch across Barcelona’s first two Spanish title defense matches against Mallorca and Levante, he has already registered an assist, showcasing his immediate influence on the team’s attacking play.
Impact on La Liga Title Defense
Barcelona will now have to navigate their challenging away trip to the Estadio de Vallecas without their dynamic midfielder. The defending La Liga champions will be aiming for a perfect nine points from their opening three matches of the 2025–26 season, a task made tougher by Gavi’s absence. The club’s medical staff will be working diligently to assess the full extent of the injury and determine a clear recovery path for one of their most promising talents. For more updates on Gavi’s injury, you can refer to this report.
