Barcelona not yet ruling out midfield duo for Valencia game – report | OneFootball

As Barcelona kickstarted their preparations for the upcoming game against Valencia, concerns about the injury sustained by midfielder Gavi have grown in recent days, with talks of a potential surgery also doing the rounds.

Meanwhile, fellow midfielder Frenkie de Jong also returned from the Netherlands national team camp with a minor injury to his glutes, casting doubts over his availability for Sunday’s clash.

Barcelona holding out hope

Now, according to MARCA, Barcelona have yet to rule out either Gavi or De Jong for Sunday’s La Liga fixture against Valencia.

The two midfielders continued their respective rehabilitation work at the Ciutat Esportiva today, and their availability for the fourth league matchday will depend on how they respond over the coming days.

Club sources stress caution but insist that all scenarios remain on the table. For now, no further medical tests are scheduled.

Gavi’s delicate situation

Gavi picked up a knock during training on 29 August, feeling sharp pain after a challenge. A day later, Barça issued a brief statement confirming discomfort in his right knee but without specifying severity or recovery time.

Gavi’s fitness condition a concern at Barcelona. (Photo by Han Myung-Gu/Getty Images)

Ahead of the trip to Vallecas, Hansi Flick admitted he was hopeful of having the academy graduate ready for Valencia – a stance that remains unchanged, despite recent reports of him having to possibly undergo surgery.

Even so, the Blaugrana are being extremely careful. Gavi spent almost a year sidelined between November 2023 and September 2024 due to an ACL tear with meniscus damage in the same knee, and do not wish to take any risks.

De Jong has more chances to play

De Jong, meanwhile, was withdrawn in the 83rd minute of the Netherlands’ game against Poland last week, following which he was released from the squad.

The medical report from the Dutch national team staff insisted that the issue was ‘minor’, and as such, his chances of making it to the Valencia clash remain alive.

Barça doctors have prescribed a conservative treatment plan for the 28-year-old midfielder. Like Gavi, he continues individual work at the club facilities and is not scheduled for new examinations today.