Gavi’s recovery from a serious knee injury has not yet translated into a regular place in the Barcelona team, with the midfielder having played only 191 minutes in all competitions this season.
The 21-year-old was not used for a single minute in El Clasico against Real Madrid, despite the importance of the fixture, highlighting how far his status has fallen since returning to full fitness.
Gavi had been expected to make this season the turning point in his comeback. A knee injury kept him out for several months, while a setback delayed his return and denied him the chance to rebuild his form earlier. Once fit again, he was expected to re-establish his consistency, influence and leadership within the squad.
However, physical recovery has not been matched by opportunities on the pitch. Although he is now available for selection, his limited playing time suggests he has become a peripheral figure in Hansi Flick’s plans.
A report by Marca on Wednesday, headlined “Gavi’s enigma”, focused on the striking contrast between the player before his injuries and the midfielder seen since his return.
“That energetic player, whose pressing could drive attacks, who encouraged his team-mates and fought for every ball as if it were the last, was much more than a substitute,” the report said.
“His personality and ability to raise the team’s tempo made him important for both Barcelona and the Spain national team. Now, however, he appears to have slipped into a secondary role and is struggling to escape from it.”
The report described El Clasico as a clear illustration of Gavi’s current position.
“In a match of the highest level, with everything a meeting with Real Madrid represents, Gavi did not play a single minute,” it added. “The decision clearly reflects his situation and raises questions about his true standing in the team.”
Gradually reintroducing a player after such a serious injury is straightforward, the report said, but it is far more difficult for his presence to remain almost non-existent once he has recovered.
Gavi’s prospects are made more difficult by fierce competition in midfield. Marca said Pedri and Rodri appeared to be the leading candidates for the holding midfield role, while Frenkie de Jong’s return had given Flick further options.
“Gavi will have to fight for playing time, which currently appears difficult to secure,” the report said. “Time is passing, and he needs enough minutes to recover his rhythm, confidence and the status he previously enjoyed.”
The central question is no longer whether Gavi can return to his former level, according to Marca, but whether he will receive the chances needed to demonstrate it. Regaining his fitness was the first step; reclaiming his place at Barcelona may prove the greater challenge.
He could be given minutes against Alaves as part of squad rotation, but the report questioned whether similar opportunities would follow against Aston Villa and Atletico de Madrid.
