Barcelona midfielder’s absence could have been much shorter if initial advice was followed | OneFootball

Earlier this week, FC Barcelona announced that Gavi had undergone arthroscopic surgery on his knee and would be sidelined for a period of four to five months.

It came as a devastating blow for not only the midfielder but also the team, considering that the 21-year-old is an important player for Hansi Flick.

However, if a new report from SPORT’s Ivan San Antonio is to be believed, the scenario could have been easily avoided.

Gavi was advised to undergo surgery in August

As per the report, at the end of August, Gavi was forced to stop training due to discomfort in his right knee.

Tests revealed a small tear in the inner meniscus. That was the diagnosis of Dr. Ricard Pruna, head of Barça’s medical services, who immediately recommended surgery as the best way to resolve the issue.

Gavi is out for five months. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

However, there was no unanimous agreement within the club. Raul Martinez, the first-team physiotherapist – highly influential, especially among Spanish internationals due to his previous role with the RFEF – favoured a conservative treatment plan.

In the end, Gavi, who had the final say, chose the latter and began working accordingly.

From five weeks to five months

The conservative approach involved avoiding full training with his teammates, doing specific work on the pitch, and testing himself from time to time.

But after several weeks following the physio’s plan, the pain did not subside. Ultimately, the only solution left was to return to square one: arthroscopic surgery, which was performed earlier this week.

What was initially expected to be a five- or six-week layoff will now stretch to five months, as the meniscus tear not only failed to heal but worsened beyond the original diagnosis.

While hindsight is 20/20, it still feels like the situation could have been handled differently so as to ensure Gavi did not end up on the sidelines for nearly half the season.