Manager Hansi Flick warns player has to be reintroduced “step by step, little by little”
Barcelona have received a massive squad boost after confirmation that midfielder Gavi has been cleared to return to the lineup against Sevilla. The midfielder has been missing for over 200 days with an ACL injury.
The 21-year-old Spaniard suffered the knee injury back in August, initially ruling him out for the remainder of the season. But he has recovered well ahead of schedule and the medical staff have passed him as fit and ready to rejoin Hansi Flick’s squad for the run-in.
Barcelona said in a statement that “the midfielder is now available for selection for Hansi Flick once again. An appearance on the pitch would see him back playing after 205 days out”.
Flick confirmed the news in his press conference but also added that the player has to be eased in with caution given his injury record.
“Did we announce it already? He has the medical discharge, I’m happy,” Flick said. “I hope he can play some minutes. I liked what I saw from him in training, but obviously we have to manage him.
“We have to go step by step, little by little. It hasn’t been easy for him and he has many years of football ahead of him.”
Perhaps most encouraging for culers is Flick’s assessment of Gavi’s mental state.
“He is with the right attitude,” said Barcelona’s manager. “That is good. We’ll see how everything evolves. He trusts his body 100% and how he can play.
“We all know Gavi, I love his intensity. He always wants to give everything for this club and for this team. It’s great news to have him back.”
