Barcelona confirm extent of Gavi's knee injury after worrying substitution against Elche

Barcelona have revealed that Gavi suffered only a bruised knee during Sunday's La Liga clash against Elche, with the injury fears surrounding the midfielder calmed.

Gavi has already suffered two long-term knee injuries during his career, so there was naturally a great deal of concern when the 22-year-old was forced off the field in the latter stages of the first period against Elche.

After the match, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick told reporters: “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."

Barcelona have received positive news when it comes to the midfielder, with medical examinations revealing that he only suffered a bruise.

© Imago

Gavi escapes serious knee injury against Elche

"First-team player Gavi took a knock to his right knee during yesterday's game. Medical tests carried out this morning have confirmed that it is only a bruise. He is expected to return to training shortly," read a statement from the Catalan giants.

Gavi will be a doubt for Barcelona's La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao on Thursday, but it would not be a surprise to see the midfielder feature in the squad.

The game against Athletic could also mark Rodri's debut for the Catalan giants.

Sunday's game against Elche came too soon for Rodri, who has recovered from the minor back operation that he had at the end of the 2026 World Cup.

Gavi's career has been disrupted by knee injuries, with the midfielder missing between November 2023 and September 2024 with his first serious issue, before being on the sidelines between August 2025 and March 2026 with another problem.

© Imago / IMAGO / Ball Raw Images

Which Barcelona players are currently injured?

Frenkie de Jong remains on the sidelines with a knee injury, but there have been contrasting reports over how long the midfielder will be out of action.

Manchester City are also being linked with what would be a shock move for the Netherlands international before this summer's transfer window closes for business.

Roony Bardghji, meanwhile, is a long-term absentee due to a serious knee injury.