Gavi would have played on crutches – Laporta thrilled Barcelona star is back from injury

Barcelona president Joan Laporta has hailed the imminent return of midfielder Gavi, declaring that the 19-year-old “would have played on crutches” if allowed, such is his hunger to be back on the pitch.

Gavi, who has not featured since undergoing knee surgery, rejoined first-team training this week and is expected to receive full medical clearance in two to three weeks. Laporta, who shadowed the Spain international’s rehabilitation, said the club has “a treasure in the dressing room” and praised the collective effort that guided the player through a tortuous recovery.

“It is great news that we all expected,” Laporta told club media. “The club and all the culés wanted Gavi to return. I have experienced his recovery first-hand. He has gone through difficult times after his relapse, but now everything is over and he has to look forward.”

The president painted a vivid picture of a footballer whose frustration occasionally boiled over. “He has suffered and cried, but this is now part of the past. He’s a player with a lot of character and he was permanently tense and angry because he wanted to play. He would have done it even with crutches.”

Barcelona’s medical staff, coaching team, and Gavi’s family formed what Laporta called a “united front” to ensure the rehabilitation programme was meticulously followed. “We are very satisfied that he can play again in a short time,” he added. “When someone is seriously injured it’s a very hard moment, but all together we have tried to make his recovery as good as possible.”

Coach Hansi Flick, who has overseen a strong start to the campaign, is understood to have laid out specific conditioning targets before Gavi can be considered for competitive selection. Once those final benchmarks are met, the La Masia graduate will inject fresh dynamism into a midfield already lauded for controlling “the rhythm, the confidence, the team’s identity,” attributes highlighted by Laporta as central to Barcelona’s playing philosophy.

The timing of Gavi’s return could prove pivotal. With the squad navigating a demanding domestic and European schedule, the teenager’s trademark pressing and ball-winning ability will offer Flick additional tactical flexibility. Although the club will resist rushing him back, anticipation among supporters is building for the moment he steps onto the pitch, fully fit and eager to rekindle the fearless style that made him a fan favourite.

For now, Gavi will continue building match fitness in controlled training sessions, but his presence alone has lifted morale inside the Ciutat Esportiva. Laporta’s message was unequivocal: the ordeal is behind them, and Barcelona’s “treasure” is ready to shine once more.