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Barcelona midfielder Pablo Gavi received official medical clearance on Saturday to return to competitive action after nearly seven months on the sidelines. The 21-year-old Spaniard had been out since August 2025 following surgery to repair a meniscus injury in his right knee. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick confirmed the development during a news conference and named Gavi in the squad for Sunday’s La Liga match against Sevilla.
Flick emphasized that the club would manage Gavi’s return carefully despite the medical approval. “He’s finally got the green light, we hope Gavi can eventually play some minutes tomorrow,” Flick stated. The German coach added: “We have to take it step by step, little by little. It has not been easy for him and he has many years of football ahead of him. I’m very happy to have him back.”
Flick also highlighted the significance of the occasion for the young midfielder. “Of course, it will be an important match for him,” he said. “He’s got the right attitude about that. We will see how he evolves from here. I love his desire to play for the club, the team. It’s good news that he’s back.”
This marks the second major injury setback in Gavi’s young career. The midfielder previously missed almost a year after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Spain at the end of 2024. He returned last season and made 42 appearances, many as a substitute, before the meniscus issue halted his progress at the start of the current campaign.
Gavi’s return comes at a crucial stage of the season as Barcelona compete for both the La Liga title and the Champions League. The club holds a four-point lead over Real Madrid at the top of the domestic table ahead of the Sevilla fixture. Barcelona will also face Newcastle United in the second leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie on Wednesday after drawing 1-1 in England last week.
