Barcelona midfield star endured severe psychological battle that almost broke him – report | OneFootball

Barcelona midfielder Gavi has finally made his long-awaited return to the pitch, but behind that comeback lies a story far more complex than a standard injury recovery. 

While fans celebrated his return against Sevilla, the true extent of what the young midfielder endured remained largely hidden until now.

According to Spanish journalist Xavi Campos (h/t SPORT), Gavi’s recovery journey was not just about regaining physical fitness, but about overcoming a deeply challenging mental battle. 

A challenging road to recovery

After spending more than six months sidelined, the midfielder had to confront fears that were beyond the usual frustrations of injury rehabilitation.

Following his return, Gavi himself admitted that this latest spell out of action had been particularly difficult. 

The emotional weight of the situation was heavier than before, especially as he dealt with complications related to the same knee.

Providing deeper insight into that period, Campos highlighted just how demanding the second setback proved to be. 

He explained that the meniscus injury was the most difficult phase for the Barcelona star, revealing that it caused him “the most headaches, the most suffering, and the most anxiety.”

The psychological factor

Gavi returned against Sevilla. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Physically, there were no major alarms, as the recovery process followed the expected timeline, and medically, everything progressed smoothly. 

However, the real challenge, as Campos detailed, was psychological, which was a lingering fear tied to the possibility of reinjury.

The thought of suffering another setback began to weigh heavily on the young midfielder, affecting his confidence as he pushed towards full fitness.

As the report further explains, the emotional toll began to impact Gavi’s mindset. The panic surrounding his future and his ability to return to top form created a difficult period internally. 

Campos revealed the extent of this struggle, stating, 

“The panic of not being able to perform at his peak again and the uncertainty about his future caused him weeks of intense anxiety.” 

When he stepped onto the pitch against Sevilla, though, there was a visible difference. 

This is because he looked composed, confident, and most importantly, free from the mental burden that had followed him for months.