Barcelona midfielder Gavi could miss the next five months after having knee surgery.
The 21-year-old featured in Barcelona’s opening two matches of the season before injuring his right knee during a training session in August.
There were fears the Spain international had suffered a recurrence of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear he sustained in 2023.
Although scan results revealed Gavi had avoided an ACL tear, he has had an operation to repair damaged cartilage.
“Gavi has had an arthroscopy to resolve a medial meniscus injury, which was sutured to preserve the meniscus,” a Barcelona statement read.
“Recovery time is estimated at around four to five months.”
“He’s a player with a big heart and a lot of emotion,” Barcelona manager Hansi Flick said.
“It’s not easy for this team, because he has a huge quality for us, but every one of us will support him and will help him to reach his level again.”
Gavi became the fourth youngest debutant in Barcelona history when he made his debut in 2021.
He has scored 10 goals in 155 games and won five trophies.
The midfielder missed 11 months after suffering an ACL tear on international duty with Spain in November 2023.
Barcelona are second in La Liga, five points behind rivals Real Madrid with a game in hand.