Gavi ready to feature for Barcelona after 7 months on sidelines

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said young midfielder Gavi is able to face Sevilla on Sunday in La Liga after a long injury lay-off.

The 21-year-old Spain international suffered a severe knee injury in August and will be on the bench at Camp Nou this weekend.

"He's available, I'm happy, maybe he's also available for some minutes, it's good to have him back and you can see in the training his dynamic," Flick told reporters.

"I like what I see, but also we have to take care of him."

Gavi, who also missed most of the 2023-24 season with another knee injury, is a tenacious midfielder that can offer intensity in midfield that La Liga leaders Barca have missed at times this season.

"At the moment he's got the right attitude from what I can see and this is good," added Flick.

"I love his intention to play, to give everything for this club and this team, and it's good news that he's back."

Barcelona hold a four-point lead at the top of the table on Real Madrid, who face Elche on Saturday, and will face Newcastle on Wednesday in the Champions League.

"We will see," said Flick, when asked if teenage star Lamine Yamal might be rested for Sevilla's visit to Catalonia.