The Spaniard, who only recently returned from an ACL tear sustained in 2023, is struggling with pain in his right knee that has forced him out of action again.

Club doctors have scheduled new medical tests for today, September 8, to determine the severity of the problem. Early indications suggest the discomfort is linked to the meniscus rather than the ligament itself, but the possibility of arthroscopic surgery has not been ruled out.

According to reports, the injury is considered more serious than initially thought and could be tied to the strain of his ACL recovery.

The setback has already ruled Gavi out of Barcelona's La Liga clash against Valencia and forced him to withdraw from Spain's squad for September's World Cup qualifiers. Sources have suggested that if surgery is avoided, he might return shortly after the international break. However, if the knee requires a procedure, his absence could stretch into October.

Manager Hansi Flick admitted the news is a major blow. "Gavi gives us intensity and balance that few players can provide," Flick has said. "We need to make sure we do what is best for him in the long term. His future is more important than rushing him back."

Barcelona are already short in midfield, with Pedri sidelined, and face a demanding schedule over the coming weeks.

Their next five fixtures are:

Barcelona vs Valencia – Sunday, September 14 (La Liga)

Newcastle vs Barcelona – Thursday, September 18 (UEFA Champions League)

Barcelona vs Getafe – Sunday, September 21 (La Liga)

Oviedo vs Barcelona – Thursday, September 25 (La Liga)

Barcelona vs Real Sociedad – Sunday, September 28 (La Liga)

The packed calendar means Flick will have to rely on squad depth and tactical adjustments as Barcelona prepare for both domestic and European challenges without one of their most dynamic young players.

The club are expected to release an official update following today's medical examinations, but for now, concern remains high at Camp Nou.

Gavi injury worry deepens as Barcelona face midfield blow