Gavi says ACL injury made him 'a better person and team-mate' as Barcelona star reveals 'life lesson' he learned during lengthy absence

Gavi sustained an ACL injury during Spain's clash with Georgia in November of 2022. He subsequently missed over 10 months of action and only returned to training in September. He played seven minutes last time out in La Liga against Sevilla, and also played five minutes against Bayern Munich in the Champions League.

Now, the Spain international has revealed his reflections from his time on the sidelines, insisting that he improved as a person during his time out. He has now set his sights on playing regularly once again.

Gavi said: "I've learned a lot because you value things much more now. It's a learning experience that I'll take with me for the rest of my life. This injury is one of the hardest and I've come out of it a better person and a better team-mate too.

Asked about his support network, he added: "My family above all, who are the ones I share my day-to-day life with, and my friends. They have supported me all this time and also my team-mates, who in the end I am with them on a day-to-day basis."

He also maintains he is taking his recovery slowly, adding on a timeline for his full comeback: "I haven't set myself any deadline, it's about getting into the rhythm of each game, getting back to the form I had before the injury. Little by little, it's hard because in the end it's many months away, but I'm sure I'll get into the rhythm of all my team-mates."

Barcelona play Real Madrid this weekend in El Clasico. Gavi is unlikely to start, given his lack of match fitness.