Returning Barcelona fan favourite will be in the squad vs Sevilla despite initial apprehensions

After 330 days, Barcelona fan-favourite midfielder Gavi is all set to return to the squad when the team take on Sevilla on Sunday.

Gavi has been out for more than ten months due to an ACL injury he sustained last year. The 20-year-old sensation resumed training with the group in September and has made steady progress in recent weeks.

While a return against Sevilla was always likely, it was reported that Hansi Flick might opt to delay Gavi’s comeback until November’s derby against RCD Espanyol to avoid any risk with the midfielder in high-octane clashes against Bayern Munich and Real Madrid next week.

Decision made

However, according to MARCA, Gavi is set to be included in the squad for this Sunday’s match between Barcelona and Sevilla.

The decision has been made, barring the highly unlikely event of a setback in the final training session or any discomfort. This has not occurred in recent days, during which he has been training satisfactorily.

Gavi all set to return. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

While Gavi will be in the squad, his participation in the match is another matter. It will depend on how the game unfolds, but the initial plan is for him to play for a few minutes.

Flick wants to ease players back in after long-term injuries. He has followed this approach with both Ansu Fati and Frenkie de Jong, who only played briefly in their first games back.

This gradual return formula will also apply to Gavi after his eleven-month absence. The midfielder needs to regain his rhythm progressively and Flick does not intend to risk a relapse, considering the La Masia gem’s key role in the squad.

As such, the Spanish international will be gradually reintegrated into the team, with expectations that his best form will be seen after the Christmas break.