Barcelona get Gavi boost as midfielder's knee injury confirmed to be just a bruise

Barcelona can breathe a major sigh of relief after a knee injury sustained by Gavi in their LaLiga season opener was shown to be only a bruise. The Spain international was substituted in tears late in the first half of Sunday's 5-0 rout of Elche, clutching his right knee and sparking fears of a recurrence of the serious injuries that have repeatedly derailed his career.

The midfielder had previously suffered two serious injuries to the same right knee. He missed the second half of the 2023-24 campaign - as well as Spain's Euro 2024 triumph - after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament, then sat out most of 2025-26 following surgery to repair a medial meniscus tear in the same area. Given that history, the sight of Gavi leaving the pitch in tears at the Martínez Valero stadium was an alarming one for the Catalan giants.

But the club confirmed on Monday that the scan results brought the all-clear. "First-team player Gavi took a knock to his right knee during yesterday's game," a statement posted to social media read. "Medical tests carried out this morning have confirmed that it is only a bruise. He is expected to return to training shortly."

The news comes as a welcome boost for head coach Hansi Flick, who had been cautious after the match. "It's his knee. We have to wait," he said. "It's a little better than he expected when he got injured. After the game he was much better. We will do an MRI and see." Gavi could now even be in contention to feature in Barca's second game of the season, at home to Athletic Club later this week.

Gavi sends message to fans after injury scare

After being forced off in the opening 45 minutes, Gavi took to social media to thank supporters for their backing and apologise for the concern caused. "Thanks to those who are always by my side, supporting me and sticking with me through thick and thin!!" he posted on Instagram. "I don't know any other way to experience football - sorry for putting you through so much suffering."

Gavi was replaced by Pedri in the 44th minute with the score at 0-1, having felt discomfort earlier in the match after a knock to his right knee.

Barcelona open title defence in statement fashion

The injury scare was the only dampener on an otherwise emphatic start to Barca's title defence. Hansi Flick's side began their quest for a third straight league title with a dominant 5-0 victory at Elche, posting a remarkable 4.38 expected goals to Elche's 0.7 xG. Raphinha and Fermín López both scored twice, while ex-Borussia Dortmund striker Karim Adeyemi got on the scoresheet in his competitive debut for the Blaugrana.

"It's a fantastic result," Flick said. "We are happy with the fantastic start we have had, it gives us confidence. I'm happy with the 5-0 and the three points."

Striker search casts a shadow over the win

Despite the goals flowing, Flick acknowledged the club have yet to attract a like-for-like replacement for Robert Lewandowski following his move to the Chicago Fire, with Ferran Torres also departed. Julián Álvarez - who received a hostile reception from Atletico Madrid's fans during their 2-2 with Villarreal on Sunday - continues to be linked with a move to Camp Nou, with just a week remaining in the transfer window.

"We'll have to talk to [sporting director] Deco, and we have to do what's best next week," Flick admitted. Raphinha, meanwhile, backed his own credentials to thrive in the role. "We have enough quality to adapt," the Brazilian said after scoring two goals as the main attacking threat in Elche.