When will Gavi return for Barcelona after long injury absence? Report provides update
Barcelona midfielder Gavi has been out of action since November 2023, having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear with Spain. Now, journalist Fernando Polo (via Barca Buzz) has reported that the youngster could be back in October or November this year.
Gavi is only 20 years old yet and hence, the club would look to be extra precautious with his recovery process. As per the aforementioned report, if his recovery goes well, he could return on October 20. Barca will face Sevilla at home in La Liga that day.
However, if there is a delay in his recovery, Gavi's return will be postponed to November 2/3, when they face Espanyol at home. Barcelona have two games in between as well but they are unlikely to push the youngster for high-level opposition. They will face Bayern Munich in the UEFA Champions League on October 23 and Real Madrid away in La Liga a few days later.
Gavi has been a key player for Barca since graduating from their famed La Masia academy. He made his senior debut in 2021 and has registered seven goals and 14 assists in 111 games so far. He's also earned 27 senior caps for Spain and scored five goals.
AS Monaco manager previews UCL clash against Barcelona
AS Monaco are set to host Barcelona at the Stade Louis II in their UEFA Champions League 2024-25 opener on Thursday, September 19. This will be their first competitive meeting this season but they've already faced once in recent months. The French side beat Barca 3-0 in the Joan Gamper Trophy in pre-season.
In a pre-match press conference, Monaco manager Adi Hutter spoke about that win and their upcoming clash, saying (via Barca Universal):
“We cannot take that game as a reference because since then they have won five games in five with 17 goals in their favour, more than 3 goals per game, that is a lot.
“We know that they have several injured players but they are in top form and I can see that Hansi Flick is improving a lot in the way he plays with his teams. I really appreciate his work but we still have faith in ourselves because we have also made a great start to the season.”
Barcelona have had a stunning start to the season under Hansi Flick. They sit atop the La Liga table after winning their first five games and scoring 17 goals while conceding just four. Monaco, meanwhile, are third in Ligue 1 with three wins and one draw.