Gabi’s long journey to the pitch is nearing its final stage, with the Barcelona midfielder inching closer to a full return after months of rehabilitation.
Lamine Yamal tells Gabi how much FC Barcelona misses him on the pitch
The 19-year-old has almost fully recovered from the knee injury he sustained earlier this season and is beginning the final stages of his return to the team’s routine.
For the past few days, Gabi has been splitting her work between the gym and the treatment room, focusing on muscle strengthening and physical therapy sessions to stabilize her knee and regain her confidence. More importantly, he is now back on the field and starting to run and perform soccer-specific movements, a clear sign that his recovery is progressing as planned.
Yamal tells Gabi how much he missed FC Barcelona
Lamine Yamal showed Gavi how much FC Barcelona misses the flashy midfielder on the pitch. After Barça defeated Copenhagen 4-1 in the Champions League match, Gabi gave Lamine the MVP award. The Spanish superstar hugged and kissed his friend.
Yamal’s performance against Copenhagen clearly demonstrated his growing influence on Europe’s biggest stage. From the start, Lamine was responsible for possession and was a constant threat. He finished the match with a goal, an assist and the man of the match award, an all-round performance that highlighted both his quality in attack and his work rate when not in possession of the ball.
FC Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick highlighted that evolution after the match, pointing to Yamal’s ability to adapt as his opponent tries to stop two, or even three, defenders. Flick also pointed to the winger’s improvement defensively, stressing his focus on a comprehensive effort rather than relying solely on his attacking flair.
What’s next for Gabi?
The next milestone in his return will be to rejoin full training with his teammates. According to the club’s schedule, that action could take place early next week or shortly thereafter, within about 10 days. Barcelona’s medical staff will continue to assess his condition daily and pay close attention to how his knee responds to increased stress.
Once Gabi is fully integrated into group sessions, the focus will shift to determining when it is safe to return to competitive activity. If he continues to progress well, a return in mid-February is considered a realistic possibility, but the final decision will depend on his response to the early stages of team training.
Hansi Flick emphasized that there are no shortcuts in this process. This injury is different from the serious knee problem Gabi suffered in late 2023, but Flick favors a cautious, gradual approach to ensure the midfielder returns to full fitness. Gabi echoes that view, especially with the World Cup just around the corner and the importance of staying in top physical condition.
