Barcelona midfield star poised for national team return after 16 months | OneFootball

After a lengthy four-month break, the Spanish national team is set to return to action later this month, with coach Luis de la Fuente preparing to announce his squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League quarterfinal clash against the Netherlands.

De la Fuente is expected to make a few key inclusions in the Spanish setup, one of whom could be none other than Barcelona’s very own Gavi.

Gavi set for national team return?

This is according to SPORT, which suggests that Gavi’s inclusion is one of the changes De la Fuente could make heading into the international break.

This comes on the back of Gavi’s explosive form since the turn of the year. After suffering from a serious knee injury for the major part of last year, Gavi has made remarkable strides and is currently one of Barcelona’s most important players, notwithstanding a recent downturn.

The young midfielder suffered a devastating anterior cruciate ligament rupture with meniscus damage on November 19, 2023, during Spain’s clash with Georgia.

Gavi has been in superb form this year despite a recent dip (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

The injury ruled him out of the remainder of the season and dashed his hopes of featuring in the 2024 European Championship.

However, Gavi remained a vital presence around the squad, even joining La Roja in Berlin to celebrate their Euro triumph.

Despite Gavi’s injury, coach De la Fuente never lost hope on the Barcelona youngster. Since returning to action with Barcelona in October, Gavi has steadily regained his rhythm.

The Spanish coaching staff closely monitored his progress, opting to give him more time before a national team recall.

Now, with his fitness concerns firmly behind him, the 19-year-old is expected to make his long-awaited return to La Roja after a 16-month absence.

Spain will take on the Netherlands in Rotterdam on March 20, with the second leg scheduled for March 23 at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium.

In the meantime, though, Gavi is suffering from a fever and is a major doubt heading into Barcelona’s upcoming Champions League clash against Benfica tonight.