Gavi steps up injury recovery as Barcelona plan careful return

By SABC Sport
23rd January 2026

Barcelona have been given a timely boost with Gavi moving into the final phase of his recovery, as the midfielder edges closer to a return to full team training.

According to an update, Gavi has reached an important milestone after returning to work on the pitch. The Spain international is now running again and completing football-related exercises, a clear sign that his rehabilitation is progressing well.

In recent weeks, Gavi's programme had focused heavily on gym-based work to rebuild muscle strength, alongside daily sessions with Barcelona's medical and physiotherapy staff. That work has now paid off, allowing him to step back onto the grass and begin individual field training.

The next target is reintegration with the group, but Barcelona are determined to proceed with caution. The current plan is for Gavi to resume full training with his teammates in around ten days, either early next week or shortly after, depending on how his body responds.

Once he is fully involved in group sessions, attention will turn to competitive action. While no exact return date has been set, the expectation within the club is that Gavi could be available again by mid-February. That timeline will depend on how he copes with the intensity of training and whether there are any setbacks.

Head coach Hansi Flick has made it clear that there will be no risks taken. Despite this injury being different from Gavi's previous setback, Flick is prioritising a complete recovery over any short-term needs.

Gavi is fully aligned with that approach. With the World Cup on the horizon, the midfielder knows that returning at full fitness is crucial if he wants to be at his best and remain in contention at club and international level.