FC Barcelona celebrated their qualification for the Copa del Rey final after a narrow victory against Atlético de Madrid (0-1). However, not everything was joy.
On the Barça bench, there was a cause for concern that did not go unnoticed: Gavi. The young midfielder caused unease after being left without playing time... and for something more.
A season of highs and lows for Gavi
Gavi is not having an easy season. With just 28 matches played and two goals to his name, his prominence has been inconsistent. Although Hansi Flick has publicly expressed his confidence in him, the truth is that the Andalusian has not found the desired continuity.
Every time he has had the chance to play, he has performed with intensity, grit, and vision. His role was notable, for example, in the matches against Osasuna and Girona, where he started and left a good impression. But the competition pace and the strong competition in the midfield have prevented him from establishing himself as a regular.
The Metropolitano: A strange night for him
The match against Atlético de Madrid seemed like a great opportunity for Gavi to gain important minutes. Many saw him as a logical option from the bench, especially after Dani Olmo's absence and with the team's accumulated fatigue. But to the surprise of many, he didn't play a single minute.
Flick, who made only four of the five possible substitutions, chose not to use him. A detail that did not go unnoticed among fans and the media. Was there any reason behind that decision? Shortly after, the reason became known.
Knee discomfort: The reason for his absence
According to RAC1, Gavi felt discomfort in his knee during the warm-up. A worrying situation, considering that the same knee was operated on during the 2023/24 season. Although initially, it was thought that he simply hadn't been included for technical reasons, the truth is he wasn't in a condition to play.
Cameras captured the moment when Flick approached to greet him after the match. His gaze went directly to the player's knee, looking for a sign. Gavi replied with a gesture that needed no words: something was not right.
Calm, but with caution
For now, everything indicates that it is not a serious injury. The discomfort would be mild, but enough to take precautions. Barça, not wanting to risk one of their most valuable young players, has opted for a conservative approach.
The scare was real despite it wasn't a serious episode, as Gavi is one of the team's most promising players. Any physical setback generates unease, because his energy, commitment, and talent are key to the club's future. Seeing him sidelined, even as a precaution, sets off all the alarms at Can Barça.