Key Barcelona duo pencilled in to return against PSG – set to miss next five matches | OneFootball

The past week has been a difficult one for Barcelona as they first lost Gavi to an injury, before dropping points against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga.

A few days into the international break, the Blaugrana saw another important player, Alejandro Balde, suffer an injury in training.

With the La Liga game against Valencia coming up next weekend, Hansi Flick has some major concerns, especially with Frenkie de Jong and Lamine Yamal also picking up knocks on international duty.

Javi Miguel of AS has now come forward with a detailed report on the injury situation of Gavi and Balde and their potential return date.

Gavi pencilled in for PSG return

According to AS, Gavi will not be available for the fourth league match of the season against Valencia.

The midfielder continues to struggle with discomfort in his right knee, which was operated on less than two years ago. The extent of the injury is more significant than initially suggested by the official medical report.

Gavi’s injury serious than initially feared. (Photo by Rafa Babot/Getty Images)

While Flick had publicly expressed optimism about a return against Valencia, the current outlook pushes the focus further ahead, with the Champions League opener against Newcastle on 18 September also looking unlikely.

Instead, Barcelona are targeting the game against PSG on 1 October for his return. It would mean that Gavi would miss the next five matches – against Valencia, Newcastle United, Getafe, in La Liga and Newcastle in the Champions League.

Same for Balde

As per the report, Barcelona will also be without Balde for the same duration. The left-back sustained a muscle injury in his left hamstring during training.

Although the setback is minor, his medical history warrants caution. Barcelona expect a three-to-four-week absence, with a potential comeback also pencilled in for the PSG fixture, like with Gavi.

As for De Jong, who returned early from international duty after feeling discomfort in his glute, full medical tests are scheduled for Monday. The Netherlands medical team described the problem as “minor,” leaving a chance that he could still feature vs Valencia.

Meanwhile, Lamine Yamal is being managed carefully after suffering from lower-back discomfort. However, barring setbacks, his participation in Spain’s upcoming match against Turkey does not appear to be at risk.