Tests rule out serious knee injury for Barcelona's Gavi

FC Barcelona midfielder Gavi is doubtful for Thursday's La Liga game at home to Athletic Club because of a knee injury, although tests have shown the problem is not serious.

Gavi (R) of Barcelona vies with Serhiy Sydorchuk of Dynamo Kyiv during the UEFA Champions League Group E match between FC Barcelona and FC Dynamo Kyiv in Barcelona, Spain, on Oct. 20, 2021. (Photo by Pablo Morano/Xinhua)

The Spain international was forced out of Sunday's 5-0 win over Elche shortly before halftime after taking a blow to his right knee.

The injury initially caused concern given Gavi's history of problems with the same knee. He missed much of 2024 after suffering a cruciate ligament tear and underwent keyhole surgery on the knee in 2025, which sidelined him for a further five months.

Gavi underwent tests on Monday morning that ruled out further ligament damage, Barcelona confirmed.

"Gavi received a blow on his right knee during yesterday's game," the club said on its website. "The medical tests carried out this morning have confirmed that it is merely bruising and his return to training is expected to be in a short period of time."

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said Sunday that the injury was "not as bad as we feared it could be when he went down."

However, given Gavi's history of knee problems, Flick is unlikely to take any risks with the 22-year-old, leaving him doubtful for Thursday's game. New signing Rodri could make his Barcelona debut against Athletic.