Official disclosure of the nature of Gavi's injury

He suffered it against Elche

Barcelona can breathe again. Gavi's medical examinations on Monday morning proved reassuring after the injury he sustained against Elche in their La Liga opener, a scare that had sparked major concern given his previous problems with his right knee.

Gavi took to Instagram to calm the fanbase after the fright they endured during the match. "Thank you to everyone who always supports me and stays with me to the death," he wrote. "I don't understand football any other way, and I'm sorry for making you suffer so much."

The blow came as he tried to press the Elche players. He fell to the ground after an opponent collided with his right leg, the same leg he seriously injured in 2023, and the sight of it sent a wave of anxiety through Barcelona.

Hansi Flick had no choice but to withdraw Gavi swiftly for Pedri, the midfielder unable to see out the first half. He returned to the substitutes' bench after the break with clear signs of distress, waiting on what the tests would reveal.

Gavi had started in his usual midfield role, the product of weeks spent rebuilding his fitness after featuring for Spain at the World Cup. He began his training early, determined to hit peak condition before the campaign got under way.

Everything currently points to a minor problem. The blow may still put his involvement against Athletic Bilbao on Thursday in doubt, with any return hinging on how he recovers over the coming days.