Saturday’s La Liga match between Champions Barcelona and Rayo Vallecano will be played in spite of midfielder Gavi’s severe cruciate ligament injury, which will keep him out of action for the remainder of the campaign.
The 19-year-old has been referred to as the “soul” of the club by coach Xavi Hernandez on several occasions, and with the Catalans already having trouble with consistency, his determination will be sorely missed.
For third-place Barcelona, four points behind leaders Girona in La Liga, the trip to Rayo’s Vallecas stadium marks the beginning of a difficult stretch of games.
Prior to hosting Girona and Atletico Madrid in two crucial domestic matchups, Barcelona will play Porto on Tuesday in an attempt to qualify for the Champions League round of 16.
Barca president Joan Laporta stated on Thursday, “It’s an unfortunate injury, the important thing is he recovers because Gavi has a big present and an even bigger future.”
“The club is by his side for whatever is necessary.”
Barcelona was unable to find a replacement for the midfield player during the winter transfer window, according to Sporting Director Deco.
“We’re really sad about Gavi’s injury, I’ve said … that I think that Gavi is irreplacable,” he remarked.
“We won’t find any player like him and so that’s why it’s not so easy.”
Though injuries have beleaguered Barcelona in recent weeks, Gavi’s problem is the most serious and will require a significant amount of urgency and pressing from the team.
Gavi was suspended for Barca’s final game before the international break, a lucky 2-1 victory over Alaves at home. Without him, the club struggled to muster any sort of meaningful performance.
After missing action since mid-September due to an ankle ailment, Frenkie de Jong resumed training this week and could be able to play, but keeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is doubtful.
To step up and muster up at least part of the energy Gavi brings, Barcelona will need the Dutchman, who arrived from Manchester City in the summer along with Ilkay Gundogan and Pedri, who has just returned from his own injury layoff.
Real Madrid discovered earlier in November—in a disappointing 0-0 stalemate against their city rivals—that Francisco’s Rayo Vallecano can be a difficult nut to crack.
Rayo also had a chance to upset surprise package Girona, but Michel’s shock leaders defeated them 2-1.
On Monday, Girona will play Athletic Bilbao in an attempt to at least hold onto their two-point advantage over Real Madrid in second place.
On Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti’s team—which is also plagued by injuries—visits Cadiz.
Along with the injuries sustained by Vinicius Junior in his hamstring, and the long-term absences of Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao, Real Madrid suffered a setback when Eduardo Camavinga tore his own knee ligament while playing for France.
Girona and Atletico Madrid, who are now in fourth place in Spain, will try to increase the pressure on the top two teams.