Double setback! Barcelona lose Gavi to surgery, Fermin Lopez to injury
Barcelona suffer double blow as Gavi undergoes knee surgery and Fermín López is ruled out for 3 weeks ahead of crucial La Liga, UCL games.
New Delhi: Barcelona have been hit with a fresh wave of injury concerns as midfield duo Gavi and Fermin Lopez are both set for spells on the sidelines. The Catalan club confirmed on Monday that Gavi will undergo surgery on his knee, while Lopez has picked up a muscle problem that will keep him out for at least three weeks.
Gavi has been struggling with discomfort in his right knee since last month and has already missed matches against Rayo Vallecano, Valencia, Newcastle United and Getafe. The 21-year-old was initially placed on a conservative treatment plan but after further stress tests, Barca's midfield staff concluded surgery was unavoidable.
The club statement read, "Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (Gavi) underwent intense sporting stress tests after finishing his conservation course of treatment for the radial injury to the internal meniscus in his right knee. The conclusion is that in order to guarantee the best possible recovery and return to competitive action this Tuesday, Gavi will undergo an arthroscopic examination by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau, under the supervision of the club’s medical staff."
The Spanish midfielder, who made a return last October only after spending nearly a year out with an ACL injury, will now be sidelined for five to six weeks.
Lopez ruled out for three weeks
Adding to Barcelona's woes, Fermin Lopez has also been ruled out after sustaining a muscle injury during the team's 3-0 win over Getafe. The youngster went down in pain after the final whistle and further confirmed an iliopsoas muscle problem in his left leg.
Barca confirmed Lopez will be unavailable for around three weeks, ruling him out of La Liga fixtures against Oviedo, Real Sociedad and Sevilla as well as next week’s much-anticipated Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
The 21-year-old has been one pf Hansi Flick's most dependable midfield options this season, contributing crucial goals including a standout double against Valencia in a 6-0 rout.
The 21-year-old has been one of Hansi Flick’s most dependable midfield options this season, contributing crucial goals including a standout double against Valencia in a 6-0 rout. His absence leaves Flick with a reshuffle to make with Dani Olmo expected to take greater responsibility in the No.10 role. The other alternatives available for Flick are Raphinha, Pedri, Marc Casado and Roony Bardghji.
Looking ahead
The setback comes at a crucial stage of the season, with the Belarusian facing a packed schedule including league clashes and the decisive UCL tie against PSG. While Lopez will return by late October, Gavi will take longer, with an early estimate around early November. Though the positive news for the squad is that Alejandro Balde is edging closer to full fitness after a hamstring injury, while teenage star Lamine Yamal is pushing return after missing the last three games with a groin issue.