Spanish giants Barcelona were boosted by the return of midfield starlet Gavi as the 20-year-old returned to the Blaugrana squad following recovery from a long-term injury.
Gavi had been restricted to the sidelines since he sustained a knee injury while on international duty with the Spanish national side back in November 2023 and even missed the flight to Germany where La Roja claimed the Euro 2024 crown.
But, the young midfielder has joined up with the Barcelona squad ahead of the Catalan side’s fixture against Sevilla on Sunday.
Barcelona boss Hansi Flick confirmed Gavi’s availability in the matchday squad on Saturday.
“For Gavi it’s the next step, it’s an important step, all the coaches, the whole club are happy, that’s is the next step and he is on the bench,” the German coach said.
La Liga leaders Barcelona, who are three points ahead of arch-rivals Real Madrid at the end of nine games, were further boosted by the return of stars Lamine Yamal, Dani Olmo and Fermin Lopez from short-term injuries.
Yamal sustained a strain in his hamstring and was rested by the national side in their UEFA Nations League triumph over Serbia earlier in the week. The teenage sensation will return to action against Los Hispalenses.
Coach Flick acknowledged the Spanish national side’s decision to rest their star boy.
“The rest and the treatments for him were really good, so thank you to the national team,” Flick opined.
“He is ready to play,” the 59-year-old German said.
Dutch star Frenkie de Jong also returned to training with the first team recently following a prolonged period on the sidelines and could feature for the Blaugrana during the weekend.
Barcelona stands atop the Spanish domestic league table with 24 points from nine outings with eight wins and a lone defeat. The Catalan side has enjoyed their start to the season under new boss Flick.
The side have been in scintillating form, with the defeat to Osasuna the only blemish on an otherwise perfect start to the campaign.
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