After undergoing a grueling arthroscopic surgery in September to repair a medial meniscus injury in his right knee, Barcelona's fiercest competitor, Gavi, is on the final stretch of his recovery.
The latest update from the club's medical staff confirms that the 21-year-old midfielder is progressing exactly as planned and has a clear target marked on his calendar: Mid-February 2026.
The Progress: Hitting Every Milestone
Gavi's injury was a huge setback, not least because it affected the same knee in which he tore his ACL in 2023. The club's initial prognosis for the meniscus repair was 4–5 months, which set a hopeful return date between late January and March.
Crucially, Gavi is showing the tireless commitment that defines his play style, focusing on a measured, safe return:
Gym Work: He is currently immersed in intensive gym work, focusing on building strong muscles in his right quadriceps to minimize stress on the knee joint.
Flexibility: He is also working on exercises to improve joint flexibility, a critical step after a long period of immobility.
The Cautionary Tale: After his previous ACL injury, the club is taking no risks. The cautious timeline is prioritized to preserve the long-term health of one of La MasÃa's most valuable assets.
The Target Date: Mid-February
Based on his recovery trajectory, the Barcelona medical team is now targeting his return to competitive action around mid-February.
This timing aligns perfectly with a potential major fixture:
UCL Play-Offs: Should Barcelona fail to finish in the top eight of the Champions League League Phase (which is still a possibility), the team would be forced into a play-off round. The first leg of this tie is scheduled for February 17-18.
An Emotional Return: Making his return in a high-stakes European match would be a massive moment for Gavi and the club, providing a huge psychological boost for the run-in.The Flick Factor: A Crucial Midfield Injection
The return of Gavi is timely for Hansi Flick. While the team has established a solid lead in La Liga, the high-energy, infectious pressing, and defensive bite that Gavi provides are irreplaceable.
His comeback will relieve the mounting workload on the remaining midfielders—a critical factor, especially with Frenkie de Jong and Pedri having also faced fitness issues this season.
Gavi's relentless presence is described as the "infectious spirit" the team often lacks, making his return a boost that transcends mere tactical availability. The young warrior is coming back, and Barcelona is counting down the weeks.
What is the first major trophy Gavi will win after he makes his return in February?