Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick is hopeful that Gavi will be available for selection in the team's first match after the September international break at home to Valencia.
On Saturday, the Catalan outfit released a statement revealing that the Spain international would be absent for Sunday's La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano due to a knee problem.
"Pablo Paez Gaviria, ‘Gavi’, is experiencing discomfort in his right knee. He will miss Sunday’s match against Rayo Vallecano, and his availability will depend on how his recovery progresses," read a statement from the Catalan side.
Barcelona did not provide a recovery timeframe in their statement, but Flick was asked about the midfielder during his press conference on Saturday, and there was good news on his availability.
Flick has revealed that the issue is not serious, meaning that a return against Valencia on September 14 is possible.
Barcelona's Gavi celebrates scoring on August 4, 2025
Barcelona midfielder Gavi suffers knee injury
"The plan is for him to be available for Valencia. We’ll see how he progresses. He’s better today than he was yesterday. We’re positive," Flick told reporters ahead of the clash with Rayo.
Gavi has featured in both of Barcelona's La Liga matches this season against Mallorca and Levante.
The midfielder is one of only two first-team players currently unavailable for selection at Barcelona, with experienced goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen also missing following a back operation.
Barcelona have six points from their opening two matches of the season, and they will be bidding to make it three wins in a row when they head to the capital on Sunday to take on a talented Rayo outfit.
Barcelona's Gavi in action on January 15, 2025
Gavi injury recovery timeframe given by Flick
"Rayo did a great job. Their work was fantastic. They’re very intense in attack and defence, it’ll be a tough game. We know the pitch isn’t that big. They’ll be a great opponent," Flick told reporters.
“Every game is different and, of course, the intensity is very high. We have to play with confidence, and we have players who know how to play one-on-one. We’ll have to have possession, but also take advantage of the spaces.
“Last season, everyone wanted to adapt to our style, and this season is no different.
“Every match in La Liga is different, and it’s not easy to prepare the team well. La Liga is a very strong league. Everyone knows how to play football, and it’s good to see. Rayo are a fantastic team and they know how to play.”
Flick has also addressed the speculation surrounding Fermin Lopez's future, as the attacker continues to be linked with a move to Chelsea ahead of the transfer deadline.
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