Lamine Yamal shows Gavi how much FC Barcelona misses him with an unexpected gesture

Gavi’s long road back to the pitch is nearing its final stretch, with the Barcelona midfielder edging closer to a full return after months of rehabilitation.

The 19-year-old is almost completely recovered from the knee injury that sidelined him earlier this season and has begun the final phases of his reintegration into the team’s routine.

Over the past few days, Gavi has split his work between the gym and the treatment room, focusing on muscle strengthening and physiotherapy sessions designed to stabilize his knee and rebuild confidence. More significantly, he has now returned to the field, where he has started running and performing football-specific movements, a clear sign that his recovery is progressing as planned.

Yamal shows Gavi how much FC Barcelona misses him

Lamine Yamal showed Gavi how much does FC Barcelona miss the flashy midfielder on the pitch. After Barça beat Copenhagen 4-1 in a Champions League match, Gavi gave Lamine the MVP award. The Spanish superstar hugged and kissed his friend.

Yamal‘s performance against Copenhagen offered a clear example of his growing impact on Europe’s biggest stage. From the opening minutes, Lamine assumed responsibility in possession and remained a constant threat. He finished the match with a goal, an assist, and the man of the match award, capping an all-around display that highlighted both his attacking quality and his work rate without the ball.

FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick emphasized that evolution after the match, noting Yamal‘s ability to adapt as opponents increasingly commit two or even three defenders to stop him. Flick also pointed to the winger’s improvement defensively, underlining his commitment to the collective effort rather than relying solely on flair in attack.

What’s next for Gavi?

The next milestone in his comeback will be rejoining full training with his teammates. According to the club’s timetable, that step could come in roughly ten days, either early next week or shortly thereafter. Barcelona‘s medical staff will continue to evaluate his condition on a daily basis, paying close attention to how his knee responds to increased workloads.

Once Gavi is fully integrated into group sessions, the focus will shift to determining when he can safely return to competitive action. If his progress remains steady, a comeback in mid-February is considered a realistic possibility, though the final decision will depend on his reaction to the initial stages of team training.

Hansi Flick has emphasized that there will be no shortcuts in the process. Even though this injury is different from the serious knee issue Gavi suffered in late 2023, Flick prefers a cautious, step-by-step approach to ensure the midfielder regains full fitness. Gavi is aligned with that mindset, particularly with the World Cup on the horizon and the importance of being at his physical best.