Barcelona will not rush 19-year-old Golden Boy back from injury, player to return next season

After a decade under the radar, Barcelona’s La Masia once again rose to the limelight with Ansu Fati.

The youngster’s rapid breakthrough to top-tier football only provided impetus to several other young talents, and Xavi’s managerial appointment changed the landscape for La Masia.

Barcelona today are being run by academy graduates all over the field once more. From Pau Cubarsi and Hector Fort in defence to Fermin Lopez and Lamine Yamal in the final third, La Masia is once again holding the fortress for the Catalans giants.

The big fish

The rise of the latest set of youngsters has meant that the likes of Gavi and Alejandro Balde, who are still only 19 and 20 respectively, are now considered seasoned first-team players.

Both players, however, are injured and are expected to play no part in the remainder of Barcelona’s season.

Gavi, in particular, suffered a horrific ACL injury back in November and was forced to go under the blade after the same.

A report from Achraf Ben Ayad has shed light on Barcelona’s stance on Gavi. He will not be rushed at any moment irrespective of his feelings. The goal is for him to return in time for the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign.

Gavi ruptured his ACL in November 2023. (Photo by CESAR MANSO/AFP via Getty Images)

Barcelona will ensure that he is recovered fully and only then reintegrate him back into the team at the start of the next season.

It would essentially mean that despite Gavi being a key part of the Spanish national team, he will not be rushed back to play for La Roja either in the Euros or the Olympics in the summer.

Not all bad news

While it is indeed gutting for both Gavi and Barcelona for the youngster to be injured, there has been some positive development over his contractual situation in recent weeks.

Barcelona and La Liga have been at war over the 19-year-old’s contract registration as a first-team player. Earlier this month, however, the two parties reportedly opted to abandon legal procedures.

Once back from injury, Gavi will be a full-time first-team player, albeit under a new manager.