Flick Confirms Gavi Set for Post-Break Return; Lopez to Stay at Barcelona

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has confirmed that midfielder Pablo Gavi will not return to action until after the upcoming international break as he continues to recover from a knee problem.

The 20-year-old injured his right knee during training on Friday and was unavailable for the weekend’s La Liga clash against Rayo Vallecano. He had come off the bench in Barcelona’s opening two league games but Flick made it clear that the club will not rush him back.

“The plan is for Gavi to be available for the Valencia game on September 14,” Flick told reporters on Saturday. “We will see how he progresses. He is better today than he was yesterday, so we are positive.”

The La Masia graduate played a key role in Barcelona’s title-winning campaign last season, making 26 league appearances before suffering an ACL injury that kept him out for 11 months. Having only recently returned, the club is keen to carefully manage his workload.

Gavi had been named in Spain’s squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Bulgaria and Turkey, but the Spanish Football Federation later confirmed that he would not be joining the training camp due to the injury setback.

Fermin Lopez expected to stay at Barca

Flick also addressed speculation around Fermin Lopez’s future. The midfielder, who impressed last season with goals and creativity from midfield, had been linked with Premier League clubs Chelsea and Newcastle United.

“Fermin is a great player. He scores goals and provides the final pass, and most importantly, his heart is with Barca,” Flick said. “I have spoken with him and I think he will stay. I will be very happy when the transfer window closes.”

Barcelona are chasing their third straight win of the season as they travel to face Rayo Vallecano, who last beat them in La Liga in 2023. Looking ahead, the Catalan side also face a tough Champions League group with matches against Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, and Newcastle United.

“For a team like Barca, the goal is always to win the Champions League,” Flick said. “It is the best competition, and we are ready for the challenge.”