Barcelona midfielder Gavi was forced off during the first half of the match against Elche after appearing to injure his right knee, prompting immediate concern because it is the same knee in which he suffered a serious injury in November 2023.
Gavi went down on the pitch and quickly asked to be replaced. He was taken off in the 44th minute, shortly before half-time, after sitting on the turf and removing his shin pads. The midfielder then placed his hand on his right knee and signalled that he could not continue.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick responded by sending on Pedri in his place.
The manner of Gavi’s departure increased the anxiety around the Barcelona camp. The area he indicated was the same right knee affected by his previous injury, when he suffered an anterior cruciate ligament tear as well as damage to the lateral meniscus.
The exact nature of the latest problem has not yet been established. Barcelona are therefore treating the situation cautiously, particularly given the player’s medical history, and are avoiding any early conclusions about the seriousness of the injury.
Gavi is expected to undergo medical tests to determine the extent of the problem and assess its potential impact. The club is waiting to discover whether the incident represents a temporary setback or another injury that could keep him out of action for a significant period.
His previous knee injury means the latest incident has inevitably attracted particular attention. Gavi’s decision to leave the field immediately, followed by his clear indication that he could not carry on, added to the concern surrounding the episode.
Barcelona will now await the results of the examinations before making a further assessment. Until those tests have been completed, the club does not know whether the midfielder has suffered a minor issue or a more serious recurrence in the same knee.
The injury interrupted Gavi’s involvement in the meeting with Elche just before the interval and forced Flick to make an early change. Pedri was introduced as Barcelona continued without the midfielder for the remainder of the match.
For now, the focus remains on the medical assessment rather than the club making a definitive judgement. The examinations will provide the first clear indication of whether Gavi’s latest complaint is linked to his previous injury or is a separate problem.
The midfielder’s November 2023 setback involved both the anterior cruciate ligament and the lateral meniscus in his right knee. That history explains the heightened concern inside Barcelona after he again complained of discomfort in the same area and left the pitch before half-time.
