Gavi Won’t Play For Barcelona Again Until 2026

Barcelona have confirmed that midfielder Gavi will not return to action until 2026 after undergoing surgery on his right knee.

Gavi, 21, played in the Catalan club’s opening two matches of the season before pulling up an injury in training last month.

There were immediate fears that he had re-injured the anterior cruciate ligament he tore while on duty with Spain in November 2023, an injury that kept him sidelined for almost a year.

Fortunately, tests ruled out another ACL tear, but further examination revealed cartilage damage that required an operation.

“Gavi has had an arthroscopy to resolve a medial meniscus injury, which was sutured to preserve the meniscus,” Barcelona said in a statement. “Recovery time is estimated at around 4-5 months.”

The timing of the surgery means the midfielder is unlikely to play again this calendar year. Even if his recovery goes smoothly, a return before January is considered unlikely, leaving Barcelona without one of their most dynamic young players during a crucial stretch of the season.

Since making his debut in 2021, Gavi has established himself as a vital part of the team. He became the club’s fourth youngest debutant in history, has made 155 appearances, scored 10 goals, and lifted five trophies.

Barcelona are currently second in La Liga, five points behind Real Madrid with a game in hand. The loss of Gavi adds further pressure as Hansi Flick’s men chase their rivals at the top of the table.