Barcelona fan-favourite emerges as key rotation option for Feyenoord and Levante after complete recovery
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Barcelona have received a timely boost with Gavi back in contention for upcoming matches against Feyenoord and Levante after recovering from the knee problem that briefly interrupted his start to the season.
According to Mundo Deportivo, the 22-year-old midfielder is now expected to feature in Hansi Flick’s rotation plans, beginning with Wednesday’s meeting with Feyenoord.
Gavi returned to the squad at the weekend after missing Barcelona’s home victories over Athletic Club and Rayo Vallecano because of discomfort.
He was named among the substitutes for Sunday’s 5-0 win at Valencia but did not enter the game. His presence on the bench was nevertheless another indication that the injury is behind him.
Gavi back after Elche scare
Gavi’s injury initially raised concerns after Barcelona’s opening-day victory at Elche.
The midfielder started the 5-0 win but was forced to ask for a substitution shortly before half-time after experiencing discomfort.
Gavi will be a crucial rotation option for Hansi Flick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
He subsequently missed the next two matches at Spotify Camp Nou against Athletic, which Barcelona won 2-0, and Rayo Vallecano, where they recorded a 5-2 victory.
The problem ultimately proved to be a brief interruption rather than a serious setback.
Gavi’s return to the squad against Valencia suggests he has now recovered sufficiently to resume playing.
Rather than rushing him back into action during a match Barcelona were comfortably controlling, Flick left him on the bench.
That could change against Feyenoord, with Gavi now regarded as another option in the rotation.
Flick has more midfield options
Gavi has not played since the opening matchweek. (Photo by Francisco Macia/Getty Images)
The timing of Gavi’s return is particularly useful for Flick because Barcelona have considerable depth in the areas where he can operate.
His natural position remains the midfield area where he can use his energy, aggression and ability to press, but Gavi has also previously been deployed higher up the pitch as a tactical solution.
He has filled attacking-midfield and “false winger” roles, although those positions currently have other options.
Fermín Lopez and Dani Olmo can provide alternatives centrally, while Anthony Gordon and Karim Adeyemi are among the players being used in wider areas.
Gavi’s return therefore gives Flick greater freedom to rotate without asking the midfielder to operate outside his preferred role unnecessarily.