Barcelona players impresssed by returning player's performances in training after long injury lay-off: Reports
Barcelona midfielder Gavi has reportedly impressed in his latest training session as he eyes a comeback after injury. The Spain international has been out of action since November of last year after picking up an ACL injury, which has seen him miss 50 matches across competitions for the Blaugrana.
It is expected that the 20-year-old midfielder will return to action after the international break is concluded. Spanish publication Sport are reporting that Gavi played 45 minutes in a training match comprising of players who weren't called up for international duty and some academy personnel.
The news outlet quoted one of the member of the squad saying (via Barca Universal):
"He is like a bull. He goes for every ball."
This must be wonderful news for manager Hansi Flick who has struggled with consistency in his midfield in the 2024-25 campaign. The German coach integrated 17-year-old Marc Bernal into the team but has been without the youngster since gameweek four of LaLiga after he suffered an ACL injury.
As a result, Flick has had to slot Marc Casado beside Pedri in the Barcelona midfield. Winger Raphinha has also had to occupy the attacking midfield role with the ongoing issues.
Before picking up his injury, Gavi had made 111 appearances across the competition for Barcelona, bagging seven goals and 14 assists. He could feature for the club when the Blaugrana host Sevilla in the league on October 20 after the international break.
Currently, the Catalan outfit are placed atop the league standings, three points clear point clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Ronald Koeman provides update on Barcelona midfielder returning to national team duty
Netherlands manager Ronald Koeman decided not to call up Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong despite the 27-year-old returning to competitive action for the Catalans.
He played nine minutes in the club's latest league win against Alaves on Sunday (October 6) and 15 in the Champions League game with Young Boys on October 1.
However, Koeman claims the midfielder is still a fair distance away from full fitness and said (via Barca Universal):
"I spoke to Frenkie on the phone. He is still a long way off at this stage too. He played once for 15 minutes and he already found that very tense and tough."
De Jong did not make any appearances since the start of the season up until earlier this week due to an ankle problem. He, along with Gavi, will provide Hansi flick much-needed midfield options in the coming weeks.