La Liga champions Barcelona could be forced to make do without the contributions of midfield star Gavi in their upcoming meeting with Athletic Club.
This of course comes after the Spanish international set alarm bells sounding across Catalunya’s capital late on Sunday evening.
Afforded a starting berth in the middle of the park in Barcelona’s season opener against Elche, Gavi pulled up with a fitness complaint late in the first-half. After being tended to by the visitors’ medical staff, the 22-year-old was from here hauled off before heading straight down the tunnel at the Estadio Martínez Valero.
Upon Hansi Flick admitting post-match that Gavi’s issue was in the knee which has so long plagued him over recent years, concerns surrounding another long-term spell on the sidelines quickly spread.
Any fears of as much were subsequently shut down by Barca themselves on Monday, though, courtesy of the following announcement:
‘First team player Pablo Gavi took a knock to his right knee during yesterday’s game. Medical tests carried out this morning have confirmed that it is only a bruise. He is expected to return to training shortly.’
It should nevertheless come as little surprise, however, to learn of Hansi Flick and his staff preparing to potentially make do without Gavi’s services for at least one fixture. As per an ensuing report released by Blaugrana insider Javier Miguel:
‘In principle, he will be out on Thursday (against Athletic Club) but should already be available on Monday against Rayo Vallecano.’
Conor Laird – GSFN
