Inside Barcelona plans to replace injured Gavi

• Barcelona and Spain midfielder Pablo Gavi is expected to miss the rest of the season through an ACL injury
• Midfielder tore ACL and damaged meniscus on Spain duty in the Euro 2024 qualifier against Georgi
• Barcelona sporting director Deco has discussed the club’s plans to replace him

In a gut-wrenching setback for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team, midfielder Gavi is set to miss the remainder of the 2023/24 season after suffering a torn ACL and damaged meniscus during Spain’s Euro 2024 qualifying clash against Georgia. This unforeseen blow has prompted discussions about potential replacements, with rumors swirling around the January transfer window. Despite speculation, Barcelona’s sporting director, Deco, has firmly emphasized the irreplaceable nature of Gavi’s contributions, dismissing the notion of seeking a direct replacement in the transfer market.

Gavi’s season-ending injury not only leaves a significant void in Barcelona’s midfield but also raises questions about player workload management and Spain’s decision to field him in seemingly inconsequential fixtures. Reports suggest that Spain is contemplating refraining from calling up Gavi until 2025, a decision that has evidently strained relations with Barcelona. Additionally, there’s acknowledgment that the Catalan club may have played a role in overworking the 19-year-old maestro, given his involvement in a staggering 111 of the 121 games since making his debut in 2021.

Barcelona is set to be without Gavi in the next nine months with the midfielder suffering an ACL injury. The club is set to look to replace the midfielder. | PHOTO: Independent |

As Barcelona grapples with the ramifications of Gavi’s prolonged absence, the prospect of securing a temporary replacement has naturally emerged. Names like Liverpool’s Thiago Alcantara and Tottenham Hotspur’s Giovani Lo Celso have been linked with a potential move to Catalonia in the January transfer window. However, Deco, Barcelona’s sporting director, has unequivocally stated that there are currently no plans to directly replace Gavi with a new signing.

READ: Spain to delay Gavi call up until 2025 after ACL injury

“Today, Gavi is a player who cannot be replaced. There is no player available on the market to do his job, neither with his mentality, nor with his ability,” insisted Deco in an interview with EFE. He underscored that the idea of finding a like-for-like replacement for Gavi would be a mistake and emphasized the unique qualities that the young midfielder brings to the pitch.

In addressing the impact of Gavi’s injury on the team, Deco conveyed a sense of sadness but also highlighted the club’s commitment to supporting the young player’s recovery. Gavi’s remarkable resilience and determination were recognized, with Deco expressing confidence in the player’s ability to come back stronger. “We are very sad, but I am sure that he will come back strong, he will recover. He is a young kid who has incredible strength, and what we are going to do is help him come back strong, taking whatever time it takes to recover. That is the most important thing.”

Barcelona faces the challenge of moving forward without Gavi as they prepare to return to La Liga action with an upcoming fixture against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday. In Gavi’s immediate absence, the club is likely to lean on the return of other key players such as Pedri and Frenkie de Jong to compensate for the void left by the young midfielder.

The situation prompts broader discussions about player workload management and the delicate balance that clubs must strike to ensure the well-being of their rising stars. Gavi’s injury serves as a stark reminder of the physical toll that football can take and prompts a reevaluation of the approach to player participation in both domestic and international competitions.

As Barcelona navigates this challenging period, the focus shifts to supporting Gavi’s recovery and finding ways to adapt to the absence of a player who had become an integral part of their squad. The club’s resilience and ability to overcome adversity will be put to the test in the coming months, underscoring the unpredictable nature of football and the constant need for adaptability in the face of unforeseen challenges.