After nearly a year out due to a severe knee injury, FC Barcelona‘s young midfielder Gavi has finally made his return to the squad. Gavi, who suffered a torn cruciate ligament and an internal meniscus injury while playing for Spain in a Euro 24 qualification game against Georgia, has been named in the squad for the upcoming match against Sevilla on Sunday, October 20.
This return is a significant boost for Barcelona as they prepare for a crucial phase of the season. Gavi’s recovery has been long and arduous, with 336 days spent away from the pitch and missing 47 games. His comeback is particularly meaningful as it comes against Sevilla, a team he scored against two years ago in a 2-0 win at Spotify Camp Nou.
Barcelona is looking to maintain its strong start in La Liga, having won seven out of their first nine games before suffering a 4-2 defeat at Osasuna. The team has since bounced back with a 5-0 win against Young Boys in the Champions League and a 3-0 victory at Alavés. The match against Sevilla will be crucial as Barcelona aims to stay atop the league table, currently tied on points with Real Madrid but leading on goal difference.
In addition to Gavi’s return, other key players such as Frenkie de Jong, Fermín López, and Dani Olmo are also back in the squad after recovering from their injuries. Robert Lewandowski and Lamine Yamal, who had fitness concerns during the international break, are also available for the match. New goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny has been included in the squad as well, though it remains to be seen if he will start over Iñaki Peña.
Sevilla, under the management of García Pimienta, who previously coached at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva, will be looking to improve their recent form. Despite some positive results, including a win in the derby against Betis, Sevilla has yet to win any games on the road this season.
