Barcelona handed boost as star man could return from injury earlier than expected - Reports
Barcelona have received a major boost heading into the 2024-25 season as midfielder Gavi is reportedly ahead of schedule in his recovery from injury. The Spanish international was left behind in Catalunya to recover fully as the squad continues its preparation for the new season in the US.
Gavi has been on the comeback path since undergoing surgery to repair his ruptured ACL shortly after the injury last November with Spain. The 19-year-old midfielder was expected to return to action by November 2024, around a year after he picked up his injury.
SPORT reports that the midfielder's recovery is going well, and despite the club's reluctance to rush him back, he may soon return to action. The report indicated that the youngster may be back on the pitch for the side by October, a month ahead of schedule.
New manager Hansi Flick will be boosted by the news, having witnessed first-hand the quality possessed by the Spanish midfielder. The squad will also be lifted, seeing as players like Robert Lewandowski rued his enforced absence through injury last season.
The 2023-24 season was majorly affected for the Spanish giants from the moment Gavi injured his ACL while on duty with Spain. The teenager pulled up with the injury in November, ruling him out of action since then. This left a major vacuum in the midfield of La Blaugrana, given the amount of quality the youngster showed.
Gavi is training by himself at the Barcelona facilities and appears to have regained the muscle mass lost to the injury. The 2022 Golden Boy winner recently began to train on grass and has dedicated himself to returning to full fitness as soon as possible.
Barcelona youngsters impress in Manchester City pre-season clash
Barcelona's youngsters showed great promise as they played out a 2-2 draw against Manchester City at the Camping World Stadium on July 30. The Spanish giants eventually went on to win the pre-season clash 4-1 following a penalty shootout.
Signed permanently from Girona this summer, teenage star Pau Victor (24') showed his quality in front of goal to put the Spanish side ahead. Manchester City didn't take long to respond through one of their own youngsters, Nico O'Reilly, to tie the game up in the 39th minute.
Midfielder Pablo Torre scored Barcelona's second on the cusp of half-time before Jack Grealish scored following a brilliant run from Mateo Kovacic in the second half. The match ended in a draw, with the Spanish side's goalkeeper Ander Astralaga saving two penalties in the shootout to give his side the win.
Barcelona will continue their preparations with a game against Real Madrid on Saturday, August 3 at the MetLife Stadium.