Barcelona's midfield picture is coming into focus ahead of Thursday's meeting with Athletic Club at Spotify Camp Nou, with summer signing Rodri closing in on his competitive debut and Gavi racing to recover from a knock sustained in the season opener.

Rodri edges towards debut

The former Manchester City man was forced to watch from the sidelines as Hansi Flick's side kicked off the defence of their La Liga title with a commanding 5-0 romp over Elche on Sunday. Rodri, who arrived in Catalunya during the summer transfer window, remained in Barcelona rather than travel to Alicante for the season opener.

However, the 30-year-old took a significant step towards his first appearance in Blaugrana colours on Monday morning, linking up with his new teammates for group training at the Ciutat Esportiva for the first time.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, all going to plan, Rodri's debut is being pencilled in for Thursday's clash with Athletic Club:

'Rodri began his preparation with the group with his sights set on Thursday, the day on which he could make his debut in the blue and red colours coinciding with the visit of Athletic Club to Spotify Camp Nou.'

Gavi a doubt after Elche scare

While Rodri's involvement on Thursday appears increasingly likely, the same cannot be said for Gavi, who set alarm bells ringing across the Catalan capital late on Sunday evening.

Handed a starting berth in the middle of the park against Elche, the 22-year-old pulled up with a fitness complaint late in the first half. After receiving treatment from the visiting medical staff, Gavi was hauled off and headed straight down the tunnel at the Estadio Martínez Valero.

Concerns deepened when Hansi Flick revealed post-match that the issue was in the same knee that has plagued Gavi over recent years, prompting fears of another lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Barcelona moved to allay those fears on Monday, however, issuing a statement that read:

'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.'

Despite the reassurance, Flick and his staff are preparing to make do without Gavi for at least one fixture. According to 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.'

With Rodri potentially available to step in and Gavi likely to sit out Thursday's visit of Athletic Club, Flick may be forced to reshuffle his midfield as Barcelona look to maintain their perfect start to the campaign.