100 Days Without Gavi: FC Barcelona Midfielder Nears Crucial Recovery Milestone

Today marks 100 days (3 months, 1 week, and 1 day) since the unfortunate injury suffered by Gavi, the talented midfielder of FC Barcelona. The young Andalusian player was sidelined during the third FIFA international break of the current season, precisely in a Spain-Georgia (3-1) match in the Euro 2024 qualifying phase held in Valladolid on November 19, 2023. Gavi has successfully completed the initial phase of his recovery process, with positive signs and no noteworthy setbacks.

Gavi was diagnosed with a complete rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, coupled with an associated injury to the external meniscus. On November 28, Dr. Joan Carles Monllau performed meniscal suturing under the supervision of FC Barcelona’s medical team at the Hospital de Barcelona. In the initial days following the injury and before the operation, Gavi faced emotional challenges. However, with time, he embraced the reality, focusing solely on his return to the playing field.

Entering the second phase of recovery, Gavi now faces a critical and potentially risky stage in the process. This phase involves gradually increasing workload and addressing the effects of 100 days of inactivity, potentially encountering pain, swelling, and fluid accumulation. Depending on the intensity and manner of his exercises, Gavi may need to balance his efforts with short resting periods. This phase will also play a crucial role in shaping the timeline for his return to on-field activities.

Since the injury, Gavi has missed 21 official matches and one friendly, with a record of 12 victories, four draws, and six defeats. The prospect of his return to play during the remainder of the season is unlikely, as FC Barcelona’s medical staff prioritizes caution to ensure his full recovery. The target is for Gavi to make a comeback at the start of the 2024-25 season.

While refraining from setting specific return dates due to the nature of the injury, Gavi is diligently working towards a complete recovery. The plan is for him to rejoin the team in peak condition, likely during the second or third week of July for the preseason. The objective is to reintegrate him into the squad at full capacity, minimizing the risk of any lingering effects in the future.

During a press conference before the FC Barcelona vs. Granada Liga match on February 11, Coach Xavi Hernandez provided an update on Gavi, stating, “His recovery is going very well, better than expected. We are talking about Gavi, and he would like to be back already, but obviously, he can’t. He is following a textbook recovery.”