Barcelona midfielder Gavi is set to make his first start in over a year against Celta Vigo, marking a significant milestone in his recovery journey, reports SPORT.
It must be noted that the 20-year-old suffered a severe knee injury in November 2023, which sidelined him for 369 days which is why tonight’s match will symbolise a major step forward as he finally returns to Barcelona’s starting XI.
The club has been cautious about his recovery, adhering to a strict timeline to ensure he fully healed before reintegrating him into the squad.
Their approach was to wait a full year before considering him for a starting role, prioritising his long-term fitness over short-term gains.
During this international break, manager Hansi Flick took time to assess Gavi’s readiness, aligning his comeback with a carefully structured plan.
Eventual integration
So far this season, Gavi has played only 48 minutes across six matches, with the primary focus on helping him regain confidence and ease back into competitive football.
His longest appearance came in the Champions League clash against Crvena Zvezda, where he managed 22 minutes. These measured steps reflect the club’s commitment to ensuring he re-enters the game without unnecessary risks.
Gavi’s inclusion in the starting line-up against Celta Vigo is expected to signal the beginning of a new phase. While his playing time is likely to increase progressively, the coaching staff and medical team remain cautious.
Barcelona will not overburden him
The plan is to avoid overburdening him, particularly in the first few months of his return. It is anticipated that Gavi will be substituted in the second half, irrespective of his performance, as a precautionary measure.
Given his passionate and energetic style of play, managing his return has not been straightforward. The club has taken care to temper his eagerness, ensuring that he doesn’t rush back too quickly.
While he is unlikely to feature in consecutive matches just yet, his performance against Celta could influence his chances of starting in upcoming fixtures, including Barcelona’s weekend clash with Las Palmas at Montjuic.
