Hansi Flick handed major boost as Barcelona star is set to return to training - Reports
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has been handed a major boost as Gavi is reportedly all set to return to training. As per journalist Fabrizio Romano, the club's staff is prepared to give the green light to the star midfielder soon. Moreover, the board is also planning to discuss a contract renewal for Gavi as they consider him an integral part of Hansi Flick's project.
"Gavi’s return is imminent as Barça staff are prepared to give the green light soon… …while Barça board are planning to advance in talks over new deal for Gavi as crucial part of the project. His new contract is among priorities, same for Pedri," Romano tweeted.
Gavi's new contract is among the priorities along with another star midfielder Pedri's, as per the Italian journalist.
The 20-year-old tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee in November 2023 while performing international duty for the Spanish national side. He is currently in the final phase of his recovery after being sidelined for nearly 11 months.
On Wednesday (October 9), Gavi engaged in a training session with the first team, as per Footboom. He also played a high intensity game with other youth players, something organized by Hansi Flick himself. Notably, Gavi was used in a defensive midfielder role alongside Frenkie de Jong, who was also out for quite some time due to injury concerns.
Also, Gavi might return to action by the end of October, courtesy of long gym sessions which have fuelled his comeback. The midfielder has been a part of La Masia since 2015 and ventured into the senior team back in 2021. He has featured in 111 games for Barcelona's senior side so far, having contributed seven goals and 14 assists.
Out of these 111 outings, 82 appearances came in the La Liga, while the youngster featured in 14 UEFA Champions League fixtures too, scoring in both the major competitions.
How have Barcelona fared this season?
The last time when Gavi featured for Barcelona, Xavi was their manager. However, things have changed now. The board brought in Hansi Flick in Xavi's place and the club has enjoyed a dream start to their 2024-25 campaign.
They are currently enjoying the pole position in La Liga with 24 points, three clear of El Clasico rivals Real Madrid and seven points clear of Atletico Madrid.
In the UEFA Champions League, Barcelona failed to get off to a flying start. They faced a 2-1 defeat away from home to Monaco. However, in the second group-stage clash, they returned to winning ways, thrashing Young Boys 5-0 at home.
After the international break comes to an end, the Catalan giants will take on Sevilla on October 20. Following this La Liga outing, they will face two tough opponents in Bayern Munich (in the Champions League on October 23) and Real Madrid in the El Clasico (in La Liga on October 26).