Barcelona fan-favourite will return to training next week; should be ready for Valencia clash

Barcelona could receive a timely fitness boost from Gavi after ESPN journalist Moises Llorens confirmed that the midfielder is expected to return to team training next week.

Gavi has been working away from the main group after suffering a worrying knee scare, but his recovery appears to be progressing in the right direction. 

According to Llorens, the Barcelona midfielder could resume training with his teammates next Tuesday, following the match against Rayo Vallecano.

“If all goes well, Gavi will resume training with Barcelona next Tuesday, after playing against Rayo Vallecano.”

The journalist also offered an encouraging update on the youngster’s potential return to action, adding, 

“He should be ready for the match at Mestalla against Valencia.”

Gavi was injured against Elche. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

The concern began during Barcelona’s match against Elche, when Gavi was forced off shortly before half-time after a collision with an opponent.

The incident initially raised fears of a potentially serious knee problem, especially given the midfielder’s previous injury history. 

Barcelona’s coaching and medical staff have since taken a cautious approach, managing his workload rather than rushing him back into full training.

Gavi failed to train with the rest of the squad in the build-up to the Athletic Club match and worked separately as the team prepared for the fixture. 

His lack of involvement in group sessions ultimately ruled him out of the game.

Gavi will return to training next week. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)

There had been hope that the 22-year-old could recover in time for the trip to face Rayo Vallecano, but his return is now expected to take a little longer.

For now, Gavi has begun individual work on the grass, which is a positive step in his recovery, although he is not yet training alongside the rest of Flick’s squad.

The latest Gavi injury update suggests Barcelona are already looking beyond the Rayo Vallecano match.

A return to team training next Tuesday would give the midfielder time to rebuild his match fitness before Barcelona’s trip to Mestalla to face Valencia. 

While his availability will naturally depend on how he responds after returning to the group, Llorens believes he should be ready for that fixture.