Lamine Yamal sends heartfelt message to Gavi as Barcelona star ruled out for five months in devastating fresh injury blow

Yamal, who recently picked up the Kopa Award for best young player at the Ballon d'Or ceremony this week, reached out to Gavi in a post on Instagram, saying: "My warrior, I am confident that you will soon be back being the best as always. Nothing can stop you, we are all waiting for you, much strength."

Gavi suffered an ACL tear in his right knee while playing for Spain national against Georgia back in November 2023. He left the pitch in tears after taking a hefty blow to the side of his right knee and underwent surgery for this injury and was sidelined for 11 months, returning in October 2024. He now faces another long spell on the sidelines with another knee problem.

The expected five months out will come as a major blow for Gavi's hopes with Barcelona this season, but it will certainly also jeopardise his place in the Spain squad for the 2026 World Cup, as he will only have a few months to regain match fitness and form before the tournament begins.