Lamine Yamal visits Gavi in hospital as Barcelona star sends out defiant message after devastating injury blow

La Liga giants Barca reluctantly determined that there was no choice but to send Gavi back under the knife. He has undergone another operation on the same knee that saw anterior cruciate ligaments damaged in 2023. Gavi spent almost a year out of action after taking in a long road to recovery on the back of that injury. Another lengthy rehabilitation process is now stretching out in front of him.

Gavi sat out 58 games for Barca when working his way back from ACL issues and will not be seen again until well into 2026. It is being suggested that he could miss another 30-plus matches - with the Blaugrana having La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League fixtures on their schedule. They will not be taking any risks with Gavi, with the plan being to leave physical struggles in the past.

Gavi has endured wretched luck on the injury front at just 21 years of age. Time is, however, on his side when it comes to making a full recovery and Barca still have high hopes for his future. Head coach Hansi Flick has said: “When you receive this information, you say, bad news, but in the end it’s the best thing for him. We have to take care of him, he has to take it step by step and it was the way for him to have a long career.

“Let him be 100% fit and then take it step by step. He’s a player with a big heart, I’m very happy to have him in the team. It’s not easy for the team, but we’ll be supporting him so he can get back to his best. I think it’s not easy for a young player to receive this news. He was fine, but we have to help him. He’s very professional, especially with his attitude, he’s top class. It’s not easy, but if anyone can get through it, it’s him.”

Gavi has posted an update message on social media as he readies his body and mind for another recovery programme. He has said: “Those of you who know me know that I will come back whenever it takes to defend Barça and mine until the end. A true champion is not forged in the moments of success, but in those in which he rises after falling. Thank you all for the messages of encouragement and love!”

Some of that support has come from club colleagues, with Yamal among those to have visited Gavi in hospital. Fellow midfielder Pedri also made that trip along with Blaugrana captain Ronald Araujo. While Gavi’s colleagues were all smiles, as they endeavoured to raise his spirits, the classy Spaniard looked understandably pained when forcing a thumbs-up for the camera.

Yamal has said in a message of support: “My warrior, I have no doubt that in nothing you will return being the best as always. Nothing can beat you, we all expect you a lot of strength, I love you.” Alejandro Balde, another of Gavi’s close friends, added: “You will come back stronger my brother, we are with you.” Ballon d’Or-winning ex-Barca star Ousmane Dembele said: “Stay strong, little brother. I hope you recover soon so I can see you enjoying yourself on the field again! Big hug and I miss you!”

Barcelona have made an unbeaten start to the 2025-26 campaign, sitting second in the Liga table on 13 points while holding a game in hand on arch-rivals Real Madrid - who will be faced in a Clasico contest on October 26.

Gavi will be a big miss for Flick’s side, having figured in two fixtures this season, with his ability to break up play in the middle of the park while retaining possession and moving the Blaugrana allowing him to take in over 150 appearances for the Catalan giants and earn 28 senior caps for Spain.