Gavi has been forced to go under the knife again after picking up a problem which did not respond to conservative treatment.
It was reported previously that Gavi would just miss several weeks but Barcelona now say he won’t be back in action until next year.
Here’s the club’s official statement:
“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 4-5 months.”
A report from Mundo Deportivo states that Gavi’s operation was supposed to be a “simple procedure” but doctors found the “area was much more damaged than initially expected” and so had to “repair more than expected” – which is why he’s out for so long.
The timescale is another huge blow for Gavi and Barcelona, particularly after he had worked so hard to return to full fitness after ACL surgery.
Gavi has looked in great shape in pre-season but now faces another frustrating spell on the sidelines. In a World Cup year there’s also the fear that such a lengthy lay-off may also cost him his place in the Spain squad.
Let’s hope that Gavi can recover fully and quickly and get back to doing what he does best soon.