After nearly a year filled with challenges and ordeals, Barcelona midfield sensation Gavi made his return from an ACL injury in October, coming on as a substitute against Sevilla.
The 20-year-old has since racked up eight appearances across all competitions, including one start, as he works his way back to peak fitness under the careful eye of manager Hansi Flick.
One person who has been with Gavi every step of the way through the last year is Barça physio Pablo Merino.
The La Masia gem chose Merino as his preferred physiotherapist to help him through his recovery and the result is there for everyone to see now.
Merino’s touching message to Gavi
Now that Gavi has made his comeback and already played close to ten games, Merino took to Instagram to pay tribute to the young midfielder.
Posting an image of themselves together, Merino wrote a heartfelt message for Gavi which read as follows:
“A year ago today, this man began a journey that seemed to have no end. A year ago you came out of surgery. Feet first; some thought you were done for.
“A year later you have shown, once again, what you are made of. Because the measure of who we are is in what we do with what we are given.
“Proud is an understatement. Excelsior.”
With 145 minutes under his belt thus far, Gavi could be in line to start for FC Barcelona tomorrow when they take on Las Palmas, given that Marc Casado is ruled out through suspension.