How Gavi’s mental strength could shape his long road back for Barcelona – Analysis | OneFootball

Ahead of the 2025/26 season, one of the biggest talking points at FC Barcelona was their supposed excess depth in midfield, with both Marc Casado and Fermin Lopez linked with potential exits.

However, just a month and a half into the new campaign, Gavi, Frenkie de Jong, and Fermin have all suffered injuries, and Bernal is still returning from his. This further underlines how important it was that Barcelona did not sell anyone this summer.

A couple of days ago, the club announced that Gavi would undergo an arthroscopic procedure on Monday to address a recurrent issue in his knee, the same knee on which he suffered an ACL injury a couple of seasons ago.

The initial estimate was that the Spaniard would be out for only a few weeks, but after surgery, the club announced that Gavi would be sidelined for the next four to five months. The player’s meniscus was found to be affected, and corrective action had to be taken.

For the 21-year-old, this is a significant psychological blow. He has been in and out of the side due to this injury over the past season and a half, and just when a brilliant pre-season had convinced everyone that he was back to his best, this new blow has arrived.

Missing four to five months effectively rules Gavi out until February, and by then Hansi Flick’s side will be in top gear for the end-of-season run-in. It will be very difficult to break into the team at that stage, as he will be looking to rebuild his match fitness.

In the bigger picture, this injury could see him miss out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Spain are spoilt for depth in midfield, and if the midfielder does not get many chances for his club, Luis de la Fuente is unlikely to give him a call-up.

Gavi is one of the strongest players in the Barcelona squad in terms of mentality, but this latest setback is bound to take a toll. The 21-year-old needs to be mentally very strong to get through this phase.

Barcelona fans have a lot of time for Gavi. He plays with sheer passion, and he is never on the pitch without giving 100 per cent. He needs to make a full and healthy recovery before Flick even considers him for action.

In Gavi’s absence, Flick is well covered in midfield. Pedri and Frenkie de Jong are the first choice in defensive midfield, with Marc Casado and Marc Bernal ideal alternatives. Between them, Fermin and Dani Olmo help cover the No. 10 position.

Barcelona have already lost a world-class talent like Ansu Fati to persistent injury issues, and the hope is that they do not suffer a similar fate with Gavi. The Spaniard is an elite talent in his own right and has enough time to make a complete recovery and return to his best.

Hansi Flick, Barcelona, and everyone involved in this situation will have to give their full and unconditional support to Gavi. The hope is for the Spaniard to be back and fully fit towards the end of the campaign, and let us wait and see how things play out.