Barcelona’s plan for returning midfielder left out of the squad list vs Athletic Club | OneFootball

Earlier in the day, Barcelona revealed their squad heading into tonight’s crunch league contest against Athletic Club.

One of the noticeable absences was Gavi, who is yet to return to the squad despite having returned to training.

However, this is not necessarily a bad thing for Gavi, who is closing in on an eventual return to the pitch, even though the player might need to exercise some patience.

Barcelona’s plan with Gavi

A recent report from SPORT has highlighted Barcelona’s long-term plan with Gavi, confirming that the player will travel with the team to Bilbao even though he is not a part of the squad.

This is being done largely to make Gavi feel that he is already a part of the Barcelona contingent and is no longer just another injured player on the sidelines.

Gavi will be keen on getting back to the pitch. (Photo by Paul Miller/Getty Images)

Barcelona understand that Gavi is an important figure in the dressing room due to the positivity he brings to the table.

The youngster, who has yet to receive the medical clearance required to get back on the pitch, will stay with the team in Bilbao and then move directly to Newcastle for the Champions League match.

Gavi will be with the Barcelona side that will reside in Tyneside for three days. That means the Spaniard will spend the next days with the squad on the road, as Hansi Flick looks to slowly reintegrate him back into the team dynamics.

However, Gavi will arrive in Bilbao a little later than usual so as not to disrupt the training routine of the first team.

The player did train normally with the group at Ciutat Esportiva today, and it will be interesting to see just how quickly he can return to the pitch.