Barcelona midfielder Gavi has reached out to the club's supporters after being forced off injured during the first half of Sunday's emphatic 5-0 win over Elche.

The Spanish midfielder had to be replaced within the opening 45 minutes of the match after sustaining a problem that meant he could not continue. Speaking after the victory, Barcelona manager Hansi Flick confirmed that Gavi had picked up a knee injury, and the player was later spotted limping away from the stadium.

A message to the fans

Gavi has since taken to Instagram to apologise for going off and to thank supporters for standing by him throughout his career.

“Thanks to those who are always by my side, supporting me and sticking with me through thick and thin!!”

“I don’t know any other way to experience football—sorry for putting you through so much suffering.”

The midfielder’s emotional message comes just a day after he went enabled him to undergo tests on his knee on Monday, though Barcelona are yet to offer an official update on his fitness.

Early signs encouraging

While the club have not yet confirmed a diagnosis, early indications suggest the injury is not serious, and Gavi is not expected to face another long spell on the sidelines.

Barcelona supporters will be holding their breath for further news, given the midfielder's importance to Hansi Flick's plans, but the initial prognosis offers reason for qualified optimism.