Barcelona, Spain – FC Barcelona midfielder Pablo Martín Páez Gavira, known globally as Gavi, has been medically cleared to return to action and is available for selection for the team’s La Liga clash against Sevilla on Sunday, March 15, 2026. The 21-year-old Spanish international has been sidelined for nearly seven months following a serious knee injury.
The official club website and manager Hansi Flick confirmed the news on Friday, marking a significant boost for Barcelona as they continue their campaign on multiple fronts. Gavi suffered a medial meniscus injury to his right knee in early September 2025, requiring arthroscopy surgery, which ruled him out for an extended period.
Injury Timeline and Comeback
Gavi’s last competitive appearance was in the opening matches of the 2025-26 La Liga season, where he made two substitute appearances. His return against Sevilla would mark his first match in 205 days. This injury was separate from a previous anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and meniscus injury he sustained in November 2023 while on international duty with Spain, which kept him out for 348 days before he returned in October 2024.
Coach Hansi Flick expressed his delight at having the dynamic midfielder back, stating he is “really happy” with Gavi’s recovery and availability. The player has been training with the squad and was even named on the bench for Barcelona’s recent UEFA Champions League match against Newcastle United, though he did not feature.
Profile: Pablo “Gavi” Gavira
Born on August 5, 2004, in Los Palacios y Villafranca, Spain, Gavi stands 1.74 meters (5’9″) tall. A product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, he made his senior debut for the club in August 2021 at age 17. He wears the number 6 shirt, previously worn by club legend Xavi Hernández.
Gavi is under contract with Barcelona until June 2030, with a reported estimated gross salary remaining of €46.9 million over the next five years. His current market value is estimated at €40 million.
Career Statistics and Honors
As of March 2026, Gavi has made 110 appearances for Barcelona’s first team in La Liga, scoring 6 goals. Across all competitions for the club, he has 155 appearances and 10 goals. He has also earned 28 caps for the Spanish national team, scoring 5 goals, and was part of the squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
His accolades with Barcelona include two La Liga titles (2022/23, 2024/25), one Copa del Rey (2024/25), and three Spanish Super Cups (2022/23, 2024/25, 2025/26). Individually, he won the prestigious Kopa Trophy and the Golden Boy award in 2022.
Style of Play and Impact
Described as a combative, technically gifted, and complete midfielder, Gavi is known for his energy, character, defensive work rate, pressing intensity, and technical ability. Analysts have compared his playing style to former Barcelona greats Xavi and Andrés Iniesta. His return provides Flick with increased tactical flexibility in midfield.
Context and Upcoming Fixtures
Barcelona heads into the Sevilla match on a run of four consecutive wins across all competitions. The team is also preparing for a UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg fixture against Newcastle United. Gavi’s return is seen as a major boost for the La Liga title race, where Barcelona is competing with rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table.
Fans and teammates alike will be eagerly watching to see if Gavi makes his long-awaited return on the pitch at the Spotify Camp Nou this Sunday.