Gavi Returns to Champions League Stage as Barça Faces Atlético in Crucial Clash Gavi has been absent from the Champions League for nearly a year, with his last appearance coming on April 15, 2025, during the return leg of the quarterfinals against Borussia Dortmund. The 20-year-old midfielder, a key figure in Barcelona’s midfield, has been sidelined since September 2025 due to a meniscus injury in his right knee. After undergoing arthroscopic surgery, he returned to training but remained a fixture in LaLiga matches, making brief appearances against Sevilla and Atlético Madrid in March 2026. Now, as Barcelona prepares for its Champions League quarterfinal clash against Atlético Madrid, the club’s medical staff and coaching staff are optimistic about Gavi’s potential impact. The absence of Gavi from European competition has been a significant blow to Barcelona’s midfield, particularly in high-stakes matches. His last involvement in the Champions League came during the 2025-2026 season’s round of 16, where he played 7 minutes in the first leg against Inter Milan and 14 minutes in the second leg. Since then, he has been a regular in LaLiga, but his European campaign has been halted. The injury forced him to miss the first eight of Barcelona’s 10 European fixtures this season, with the club relying on younger players and substitutes to fill the void. Gavi’s return to the Champions League stage is seen as critical for Barcelona’s chances against Atlético Madrid, a team known for its defensive resilience and counterattacking prowess. The Catalan club’s manager, Xavi Hernández, has emphasized the importance of Gavi’s energy and technical ability in the midfield, particularly in the high-pressure environment of the Champions League.#barcelona #atltico_madrid #levante #gavi #xavi_hernndez
