Barcelona midfielder Gavi will miss the remainder of the 2023/24 season due to a knee injury sustained during Spain’s recent match against Georgia.
The club confirmed that Gavi underwent a successful knee operation on Monday at the Hospital de Barcelona, addressing a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) suffered when he landed awkwardly after jumping to control the ball.
Gavi’s emotional exit from the pitch showed the severity of the injury, with medical experts predicting a recovery period of eight to ten months.
This unfortunate timing means that Gavi is unlikely to feature for Spain in the upcoming European Championship – a blow to the player and the national team.
Following the injury, Barcelona want to bolster their midfield options and are reportedly considering a move for Tottenham Hotspur man Giovani Lo Celso in the winter transfer window.
However, Spurs don’t want to part ways with the Argentine midfielder, not after his cracking goal against Aston Villa last weekend.
They are determined to retain Lo Celso, who will look to redeem himself and become an integral part of their squad in the absence of James Maddison.
Barcelona’s potential acquisition of Lo Celso would undoubtedly boost their squad. However, they may need to find other targets, with Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy known as a difficult negotiator.
Their financial troubles have been much-publicised, but La Liga’s new rules allow them to sign a player valued at 80% of Gavi’s wages.
Barcelona may promote from within – a strategy that has brought plenty of success over the years.
Youngsters such as Marc Casado, Aleix Garrido and Unai Hernandez have featured in first-team training and could be called upon.
The Blaugrana can also recall Pablo Torre from his loan spell in Girona to reinforce their squad.
Head coach Xavi Hernandez wants a new midfielder but could be forced to use the resources currently at his disposal.
