Gavi ready for Barcelona return against Sevilla after seven months out

Barcelona will welcome midfielder Gavi back to the matchday squad for Sunday’s La Liga meeting with Sevilla at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys, ending a seven-month lay-off that began when he tore a meniscus in training last August.

The 20-year-old Spain international underwent arthroscopic surgery the following day and has spent the intervening months working through a meticulously monitored rehabilitation programme. After completing more than a week of full-group sessions, medical staff have now cleared him for competitive selection.

Head coach Hansi Flick confirmed the development on the eve of the fixture: “I am happy. Maybe he can play some minutes. It’s good to have him back. You can see in training what he adds, but we need to take care of him. He is on the right path. It is all step by step. The last injury was not easy for him. We also know he has to be here for some years, so we will keep that in mind. He has the right attitude.”

Gavi’s only senior appearances this season came in the opening two league matches; his last involvement was a cameo against Levante in August 2025. He sat unused on Tuesday as Barça drew 1-1 with Newcastle United in the Champions League at St James’ Park, a cautious reminder of the club’s determination to manage his reintegration carefully.

The timing is opportune for a squad that has been stretched by injuries. With Frenkie de Jong sidelined for six weeks after a hamstring setback reported on 26 February, Gavi’s availability offers Flick fresh options in midfield without rushing the youngster into a starting role. Club sources indicate the Andalusian’s introduction against Sevilla will depend on the state of the contest, ensuring his comeback remains protective rather than obligatory.

This is the second lengthy absence of Gavi’s fledgling career; a previous anterior cruciate ligament tear kept him out for 10 months between November 2023 and September 2024. Upon his return he became a mainstay of Flick’s title-winning side, logging 42 appearances across all competitions and helping to re-energise the Blaugrana engine room.

Since graduating from La Masia in 2021-22, the tenacious midfielder has amassed 155 first-team games, scoring 10 goals and laying on 18 assists. His re-emergence arrives with Barcelona four points clear at the summit of La Liga ahead of Real Madrid’s evening kick-off against Elche.

Sunday’s reunion with Sevilla will not solely be about three points; it will mark the reappearance of one of Spanish football’s most dynamic talents, a sight Camp Nou has awaited for the better part of a year.