- Gavi finally made his long-awaited comeback for FC Barcelona after a reoccurrence of his knee problems in September which kept him out for 205 days.
- The midfielder suffered an ACL tear in 2023, which meant he missed Spain’s Euro 2024 led by Lamine Yamal.
- But the number six finally returned to action in 2025/2026 with a short cameo towards the end of Sunday’s 5-2 thrashing against Sevilla.
FC Barcelona midfielder Gavi made his long-awaited comeback on Sunday at the Spotify Camp Nou, towards the end of a 5-2 thrashing suffered by his fellow Andalusians Sevilla.
With the Blaugrana coasting and reopening a four-point lead over second-placed Real Madrid at the La Liga summit, head coach Hansi Flick could afford to bring the number 6 on.
As expected, he received an emotional standing ovation before an improved 62,000 capacity and the roar of the also returning Grada d’Animació which had a lot to do with the team’s performance in a much-improved atmosphere.
From around the hour mark, after Joao Cancelo had improved the lead to its near final state, and added to a Raphinha hat trick plus a single strike from Dani Olmo, cheers of Gavi’s name already rang out as the boisterous “heart with legs” – as Xavi Hernandez once called him – warmed up.
Those only drew louder as the likes of a rested Lamine Yamal came on along with Marc Casado on 68 minutes. But by the 83rd, we had a bird’s eye view from the press box of Flick hugging a player he is clearly fond of, and handing him the reception he deserved.
Gavi gave glimpses of the quality he can offer
Though he had little time to make an impact, Gavi still managed 14/16 successful passes, for 88% accuracy overall, and is returning at the perfect time of the season.
It’s still too early for him to start matches such as Wednesday’s Champions League last 16 second leg against Newcastle United at this same ground, but the treatment from Culers who adore him for what he represents, and how he feels the “colours” of the club, was the confidence boost that Gavi needs.
After the international break, we should gradually see more of a player whose aggression and bite, mixed with technical excellence, has been missed – especially in ties like the tense 1-1 draw at St. James’ Park midweek.
