20-year-old Barcelona midfield star’s recent lack of prominence was preplanned – Report | OneFootball

In addition to not having gotten many reinforcements for his team in his first summer transfer window since joining FC Barcelona, Hansi Flick also had to contend with the absence of several of his important players in the initial phase of this season.

During that time, the Catalan team’s midfield ranks were particularly thin, especially as two important midfielders, Frenkie de Jong and Gavi, returned to availability some months after the start of the season.

Both these players made their returns from injury in October. While Frenkie de Jong needed a significant period of time to return to his best level following his recovery, Gavi seemed to have gotten an important role in Hansi Flick’s team sooner.

The Spaniard started several games for Barcelona in January, but in recent weeks, his prominence in the team has once again declined, raising concerns about his standing in Flick’s team preferences.

However, according to SPORT, this lack of prominence is only because of the serious injury from which he recovered this season, as it was already predicted at the time of his return that he would need four to five months to return back to 100% fitness.

Thus, it should only be now that Gavi would be able to play at the level he displayed before his serious injury.

Furthermore, Marc Casado is injured and is not expected to play again this season. Therefore, Gavi is likely to see his game time increase in the coming weeks and months.

Hansi Flick has never hidden his admiration for the Barcelona midfielder and has already expressed in several pressers that he will be the team’s next captain, mainly because of his passion and involvement in the team.

Up to now, the Spaniard has played 917 minutes this season in 26 games, scoring 2 goals and providing 3 assists in the process. But he seems likely to add further to these statistics going forward, especially once he has regained full fitness.