Barcelona midfielder takes significant step towards return from injury | OneFootball

Barcelona midfield star Gavi, in his pink-haired avatar, started for Hansi Flick in the first La Liga game against Elche.

The Spaniard, however, had to be replaced just before half-time by Pedri after suffering a blow to the same knee in which he had torn his ACL a couple of seasons ago.

Although initial signs pointed to a serious injury for the La Masia graduate, subsequent tests confirmed that he had only suffered a bruise and should be back soon.

Now, according to Que t’hi jugues (h/t Carpetas FCB), the 22-year-old has started training individually on grass, although he is not yet working alongside the rest of Flick’s squad.

Gavi closing in on group return

The next few days will now be important in determining how quickly Gavi can progress.

If the midfielder responds well to his individual work and experiences no discomfort, he will be allowed to rejoin group training.

Gavi back in individual training. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

That would be an ideal scenario for Gavi, although Barça will understandably be cautious about rushing him back into competitive action.

Simply returning to the pitch is nevertheless positive news for both Flick and the player.

Once Gavi rejoins the squad, the coaching and medical staff will be able to assess his condition under the greater intensity of normal team sessions before deciding when he is ready to return to a matchday squad.

Flick could regain an important option

Gavi’s eventual return would provide Flick with another valuable solution in a Barcelona midfield already containing significant competition.

His profile remains relatively unique. Few players in the squad can match his aggression without the ball, intensity in the press and willingness to compete for every loose ball.

Gavi suffered the injury against Elche. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

Those qualities can become particularly useful as the schedule becomes more demanding and Barcelona begin balancing domestic commitments with the Champions League.

There should be no urgency, however. At this stage, ensuring Gavi can train consistently without discomfort is far more important than targeting a specific game for his comeback.

A much-needed boost

For everything that Gavi has been through in the last three years, he deserves a season where he is given continuity.

The Barça midfielder may have feared the worst when he got injured against Elche, but it came as a huge boost that the injury was not serious.

Now, the focus shifts to how he recovers from the bruise and when he is next available to play for Hansi Flick.

If everything goes according to plan, it will not take long before Gavi returns to action, and let us hope he can stay fit and contribute for the rest of the campaign.