Elche 0-5 Barcelona: Gavi suffers worrying knee injury during La Liga contest

Gavi faces an anxious wait to determine the extent of the knee injury that he suffered during Barcelona's 2026-27 La Liga opener against Elche on Sunday night.

The Spain international was forced off in the latter stages of the first period.

Gavi's career has been disrupted by knee injuries, with the midfielder out from November 2023 until September 2024 with his first serious issue, before being out between August 2025 and March 2026 with another long-term problem in that area.

The 22-year-old could now be set for another spell on the sidelines.

Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick said that Gavi will now undergo a scan before an announcement is made on the seriousness of the damage.

© Iconsport / Matthieu Mirville / ZUMA Press Wire

Elche 0-5 Barcelona: Gavi suffers knee injury in La Liga contest

“Yes, it’s in the knee. We have to wait. It’s a little better than he expected when he got injured. After the game was much better. We will make an MRI and see,” Flick told reporters.

Gavi has scored 10 goals and registered 18 assists in 167 appearances for Barcelona.

The reigning La Liga champions made a flying start to their title defence, putting five unanswered goals past Elche, with Raphinha (two), Fermin Lopez (two) and Karim Adeyemi on the scoresheet.

“We’re delighted with the fantastic start we’ve made; it gives us confidence. I’m pleased with the 5–0 win and the three points," Flick told reporters.

© Iconsport / Pressinphoto

Balde was absent in Barcelona's clash with Elche

Anthony Gordon came off the bench to provide two assists on his debut for the club.

Joao Cancelo also featured, having returned to Barcelona on a free transfer, but Alejandro Balde was a notable absentee amid the speculation surrounding his future.

"I haven’t told him he has to leave,” said Flick when asked about Balde.

“I have a feeling – and I think it’s best for him – that he should think things through, reflect, get his thoughts in order, and then we’ll talk. And we both agreed on that.”

Barcelona will be aiming to make it successive wins at the start of their new La Liga campaign when they welcome Athletic Bilbao on August 27.