Gavi
BAR
Avoids serious knee injury
Gavi (knee) was diagnosed with a bruise to his right knee and is expected to return to training shortly, the club posted.
Analysis: Gavi underwent medical tests after being forced off during Sunday's match against Elche, with the results ruling out a more serious injury. The midfielder is dealing only with a bruise and is expected to resume training shortly, making a lengthy absence unlikely. His progress over the next few days should determine his availability for Thursday's clash against Athletic Club. Gavi's quick return would be a boost after injuries limited him to 49 La Liga appearances over the previous three seasons.
Off with injury, set for testing
Gavi was forced off in the 45th minute of Sunday's match against Elche due to a knee injury and is set for testing Monday, according to Alfredo Martinez. Manager Hansi Flick said after the game "Yes, it's the knee, and we have to wait. It feels better than expected that he felt much better right after the injury, after the match. But we have to wait; he'll undergo tests tomorrow, and we'll see", per Fran Fuentes of El Desmarque.
Analysis: Gavi would slide in for a tackle and end up taking the worst of it, as he would immediately reach for his lower leg and would be forced to exit right after. He would then immediately head to the locker room with a clear look of pain on his face. He will now head in for testing to determine the extent of the injury, praying for nothing too serious. That said, he already missed most of last season due to injury, which has been a common occurrence for the young midfielder, only playing 49 matches in the past three La Liga seasons. The good news is Pedri and new signing Rodri are waiting on the bench, having the duo that won Spain the World Cup in the midfield ready to go.
Quiet in WC opener
Gavi recorded one shot (zero on goal) and two crosses (zero accurate) in Monday's 0-0 draw versus Cape Verde.
Analysis: Gavi started on the left side of the attack in Spain's World Cup opener, playing out of position due to Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal not quite being fit enough to start. Gavi was fairly ineffective, only attempting one off-target shot and failing to create a chance despite his side being on the attack for nearly the entire match. He was subbed off in the 71st minute for the aforementioned Yamal who immediately provided more dynamism to the Spain attack. With Yamal and Williams now fit, Gavi will almost certainly return to the bench for Sunday's match versus Saudi Arabia.
Busy defensively
Gavi had three tackles (two won), one clearance and one interception in Sunday's 3-1 win versus Betis.
Analysis: Gavi didn't get involved in the attack during Sunday's win, but he was busy defensively throughout the match. He shutdown numbers attacks and was excellent at turning possession into offense during the second half. Gavi hasn't been the most active attacking threat this season, but he's still rounded into an excellent midfielder with room to grow.
Subbed off on Wednesday
Gavi recorded no stats in Wednesday's 1-0 victory over Celta Vigo.
Analysis: Gavi had little impact in the game, recording only 17 touches and 12 passes. He was substituted at halftime for Fermin Lopez. This season, Gavi has started just twice and has yet to play a full 90 minutes as his minutes are being managed due to the injury that sidelined him for most of the campaign.
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