Hansi Flick wants to transition €90M injury returnee gradually into his Barca setup

FC Barcelona's 2024/25 season so far has been outstanding. Having a commanding 3-point lead at the La Liga tabletop and up to their first points in the new UCL campaign, the club's performances have been spectacular under Hansi Flick. However, the club's injuries remain the same, with the club having one of the most injury-inflicted squads in Europe.

Hansi Flick wants to transition €90M injury returnee gradually into the Barca setup

Only 11 appearances in the season, and the Catalan club has faced the serious injuries of key players Marc Bernal, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, and their captain, Ter Stegen. Moreover, even of the players who had been injured before the season started, only prodigy star Ansu Fati and midfield ace de Jong have returned. While the return of another pivotal prodigy was expected sooner, recent reports suggest otherwise.

Since the season began, FC Barcelona's midfield has been the most prone to injuries, with the club having to operate for the bare minimum options for quite a long time. Addressing the same, passionate pivot Gavi's return has been much sought after, considering the player's utility in the current scenario. However, although earlier reports had hinted that the player might be in Flick's plan for the Sevilla fixture, recent reports suggest that he might be delayed further.

As per Diario SPORT, there stands no specific return date for Gavi, although the player is nearing his full fitness. As has Hansi Flick's methodology been with returnee stars, the German manager wants to plan his return in a slow, gradual matter. While it had been speculated that after returning against Sevilla, ace midfielder Gavi might be available against Bayern and Real Madrid, the club believes that it won't be a suitable time for his return.

Closely analyzing the situation, while the update on the player's return definitely comes to be upsetting momentarily, this decision by the board can be crucial in the long term. Given the 20-year-old midfielder nears his return to the football pitch after almost a year, Barca's highest-intensity games against Bayern or Real Madrid wouldn't be ideal for him to mark a return.

Overall, the Barcelona board is planning to transition Gavi gradually into the club's new setup and doesn't want to rush him against Bayern or Real Madrid. The Blaugrana club fans would hope that whenever the player returns, he starts kicking at his best level, playing a crucial role in the unit's long season ahead.