Massive relief for Barcelona as fan-favourite’s knee injury fears prove less serious – report
Barcelona’s 2026/27 La Liga season began with a statement victory at Elche, but the 5-0 scoreline was not the only thing on the minds of Hansi Flick and the travelling Barça supporters.
For much of the match, Barcelona were in complete control. Yet just before half-time, attention shifted to Gavi after the midfielder went down holding his right knee and immediately asked to be taken off.
Given his injury history, the sight was always going to cause concern.
Gavi has already endured serious problems with the same knee in recent seasons, which made his reaction particularly worrying.
Notably, he did not remain on the bench after being substituted and instead headed straight down the tunnel with Barcelona’s medical staff.
However, Barcelona may have received an important early boost after the final whistle.
According to Jose Alvarez Haya, the initial feeling around the club is that Gavi has not suffered a serious knee injury and it is just a scare, although further tests will determine the exact nature of his discomfort.
A routine challenge turns into biggest concern
👉 IMAGEN @elchiringuitotv | GAVI SALE COJEANDO 👈
👀 El mediocentro pidió el cambio por un fuerte golpe.
📹 @10JoseAlvarez pic.twitter.com/hB0bSLR0v0
— El Chiringuito TV (@elchiringuitotv) August 23, 2026
The incident came towards the end of the first half, with Gavi starting in midfield alongside Marc Bernal.
After a challenge involving an Elche player, the Barcelona midfielder began to feel discomfort in his right knee. Flick reacted by asking Pedri to begin warming up, but Gavi was unable to continue until the break.
In the 44th minute, he went down and signalled that he needed to be substituted.
It was not the usual tactical change. The concern was clear around the Barcelona players, especially because Gavi appeared to be in pain and was visibly worried about the area that has caused him problems in the past.
After reaching the bench, Gavi briefly received attention before making the decision to leave the pitch-side area completely.
Flick orders MRI as Gavi injury update brings relief
After the match, Flick moved to calm the immediate fears surrounding his midfielder.
¡La mala noticia para el Barça en la primera mitad! 🚨.
Gavi tuvo que abandonar la cancha por una aparente lesión en la rodilla derecha, Pedri entró al juego en su lugar 🔁. pic.twitter.com/JzIjf1JHxh
— ESPN Deportes (@ESPNDeportes) August 23, 2026
The Barcelona manager downplayed the situation and confirmed that Gavi would undergo an MRI scan to establish the exact extent of the problem.
The club will not want to take any risks with a player who has already spent significant periods recovering from serious injury.
The initial signs, though, appear encouraging.
Jose Alvarez Haya reports that the first sensations surrounding Gavi’s condition suggest that he has not suffered a serious injury to his right knee.
There is a sense of relief from both the player and Barcelona, although the final verdict will only arrive after further medical checks.
The team doctor also indicated after the match that he believed Gavi was fine. The midfielder, however, chose not to speak publicly as he waits for a clearer assessment.
