Gavi Sidelined: Barcelona and Spain Midfielder Suffers Knee Discomfort, Raising Injury Concerns

FC Barcelona and Spanish national team midfielder Gavi, aged 21, has been forced to withdraw from upcoming international and club fixtures due to discomfort in his right knee. The setback occurred during a training session on Friday, following a collision at the Ciutat Esportiva, casting a shadow over his early season involvement.

The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) officially confirmed Gavi's withdrawal in a statement released on Saturday, citing "discomfort in his right knee." This news is particularly alarming as the injury affects the same knee that Gavi previously had surgically repaired after suffering a torn ACL in November 2023, which kept him out of action for 11 months.

The severity of Gavi's current condition is yet to be fully determined, but it has already ruled him out of critical matches. He will not join Spain's training camp for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Türkiye. For Barcelona, Gavi's absence means he will miss the highly anticipated match against Rayo Vallecano, the team's return to the Camp Nou on September 14th, and their first fixture of the season on September 18th.

Barcelona has not provided a specific timeline for Gavi's return, stating that his availability will depend on his recovery progress. However, reports suggest that this latest knee issue may be serious enough to keep him sidelined for an extended period.

Gavi has been a pivotal player for Barcelona in the initial stages of their title defense, having contributed an assist in limited playing time this season. His absence presents a significant challenge for the Catalan giants as they navigate early season fixtures, aiming to secure maximum points without their energetic midfielder.