La Liga giants Barcelona will again be forced to make do without the contributions of midfield star Gavi in the club’s next outing. This comes amid the understanding that the youngster has not yet been cleared for competitive action.

Gavi of course set alarm bells sounding across the Barcelona fanbase last weekend. En route to the Blaugrana’s 5-0 opening day drubbing of Elche, the Spanish international was forced off with a knee complaint.

After a round of medical tests back at the Ciutat Esportiva the following day, all of a Barca persuasion breathed a sigh of relief, as it was confirmed that Gavi had suffered only bruising.

The 22-year-old was nevertheless left out of Hansi Flick’s squad to face Athletic Club on Thursday, yet to return to group training in Catalunya’s capital.

And if the latest word stemming from the media on Friday is anything to go by, then a comeback this weekend also appears to have been all but ruled out. As per a report from journalist Moises Llorens of ESPN:

‘If all goes well, Gavi will return to training with Barcelona next Tuesday, after the match against Rayo Vallecano. He should be ready for the Mestalla match against Valencia.’