Midfielder has dropped out of Spain squad for September qualifiers
Barcelona midfielder Gavi will miss Sunday’s trip to Rayo Vallecano with a minor knee problem but the club are confident he will return quickly.
The 21-year-old sat out training on Friday after feeling discomfort in his right knee and has since been withdrawn from Spain’s squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers.
The Spanish football federation (RFEF) confirmed he will not join up with Luis de la Fuente’s side for matches against Bulgaria and Turkey.
Head coach Hansi Flick calmed the concerns of supporters on Saturday, suggesting the issue is not serious.
“The plan is for him to be ready for Valencia,” Flick said. “We’ll see how he develops. Today he’s better than yesterday, so we’re positive.”
Gavi was eased back into action last season following his recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament injury that kept him out for almost a year. He returned in the autumn and went on to make 26 appearances in Barcelona’s title-winning campaign.
So far this season he has featured twice from the bench, registering an assist against Mallorca on the opening weekend and playing the second half in last Saturday’s 3-2 win at Levante.
