The 2 key Barcelona stars will miss five key matches due to injuries, with a return planned for a major Champions League clash.
The setbacks, which come on the heels of a frustrating draw against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, have raised concerns for manager Hansi Flick ahead of a packed schedule.
With a challenging fixture against Valencia looming and the Champions League campaign kicking off soon, the absence of these players will test the squad’s depth and resilience.
The club is now targeting a high-profile European clash for their return, leaving fans anxious about the team’s immediate prospects.
The injured duo consists of midfield dynamo Gavi and dynamic left-back Alejandro Balde, as reported by AS.
Gavi, sidelined by persistent discomfort in his surgically repaired right knee, faces a longer recovery than initially anticipated, with the injury proving more severe than first reported.
Similarly, Balde suffered a minor hamstring injury during training, but his history of muscle issues has prompted caution from the medical staff.
Both players are expected to miss Barcelona’s next five matches, including La Liga clashes against Valencia, Getafe, and others, as well as Champions League ties against Newcastle United.
The club has penciled in their return for the blockbuster Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain on October 1, 2025.
The absence of Gavi and Balde compounds Barcelona’s challenges, especially with Frenkie de Jong and Lamine Yamal also nursing minor injuries.
De Jong’s glute issue is under evaluation, with tests scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025, offering hope he might feature against Valencia.
Yamal, dealing with lower-back discomfort, is expected to be managed carefully but remains likely to play for Spain against Turkey.
Flick now faces the task of navigating this injury crisis while maintaining Barcelona’s competitive edge in both domestic and European competitions.
The return of Gavi and Balde against PSG could provide a timely boost, but until then, the Blaugrana must adapt to thrive without two of their brightest stars.
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