Barcelona’s returning midfield star could miss Bayern, Real Madrid games as Flick opts for caution | OneFootball

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick’s cautious approach to Gavi’s return from injury has become a focal point at the club, reports AS as key decisions loom about the midfielder’s involvement in upcoming high-stakes matches against Real Madrid and Bayern Munich.

After eleven months on the sidelines following his ACL injury, Gavi’s case has become the primary concern among the technical staff, physical trainers, and medical team.

Flick hesitant to risk Gavi in crucial Real Madrid and Bayern Munich games

Under normal circumstances, Gavi would receive medical clearance before October 20, coinciding with Sevilla’s visit to Montjuic, where he could potentially play 10-15 minutes.

However, the severity of his injury demands careful consideration from the technical staff, who must look beyond the player’s positive signals and eager attitude.

The timing presents a particular challenge, as the schedule intensifies immediately after the Sevilla match, with fixtures against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid coming up within the same week.

These matches are considered “extremely high-risk” for a player returning from an eleven-month injury layoff, with staff members emphasising that “these are not matches for experimentation.”

Set to return imminently. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

This outlook significantly reduces Gavi’s chances of participation, potentially delaying his full return until the derby against Espanyol on November 3.

Gavi’s full-throttle style leads to concerns

A major concern for the coaching staff is Gavi’s inherent playing style. The La Masia gem consistently operates at maximum intensity, never conceding possession easily and fighting tirelessly until exhaustion.

During a recent 40-minute practice match against the reserve team, Flick personally observed that this all-or-nothing approach is fundamentally part of his DNA. Such intensity poses a considerable risk in high-stakes matches soon after his return.

The medical team’s proposed timeline would see Gavi receive clearance next Sunday, with a carefully structured return: limited minutes against Sevilla, remaining on the bench for both Bayern and Real Madrid fixtures, before potentially returning to play against Espanyol.

Flick now faces a crucial decision, balancing the eager midfielder’s desire to return with the medical team’s cautious approach, particularly given the high-profile nature of the upcoming fixtures.