Barcelona’s Gavi Out for Up to Five Months After Knee Surgery
Barcelona midfielder Pablo “Gavi” Páez Gavira has been ruled out for four to five months after undergoing surgery on a knee injury, the club confirmed on Tuesday.
The 21-year-old sustained a medial meniscus problem in his right knee during training in late August, just weeks after making his return from a long-term anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in the same knee. Barcelona initially pursued conservative treatment, but medical examinations later revealed that surgery was the best option.
The arthroscopic procedure, carried out this week, involved suturing the damaged meniscus to preserve as much of the tissue as possible. Club doctors estimate that Gavi will need between four and five months to complete his recovery, ruling him out of action until early next year.
The setback is a major blow for both Barcelona and Spain. Gavi had been working his way back to full fitness after missing nearly a year with his ACL injury, and was expected to play a central role under new Barcelona coach Hansi Flick this season. His absence will force the Catalan giants to reshuffle their midfield options during a crucial stretch of the campaign.
For Spain, the timing raises doubts about his availability for upcoming international fixtures, with the European Championships looming next summer.
In an official statement, Barcelona expressed confidence in the player’s recovery, noting: “First-team player Pablo Páez Gavira ‘Gavi’ has had an arthroscopy to resolve a medial meniscus injury, which was sutured to preserve the meniscus. Recovery time is estimated at around four to five months.”
The news will be particularly disheartening for Gavi, who has already endured a difficult spell with injuries despite his young age. The midfielder will now focus on rehabilitation in hopes of returning stronger in the new year.
