Barcelona confirmed two setbacks that hit right at the heart of their midfield. Fermín López, who came off in discomfort after the 3-0 win over Getafe in La Liga, has been diagnosed with a hip injury and will be out for about three weeks. Gavi, sidelined since August, hasn’t shown the progress the club hoped for in his knee recovery and will now undergo arthroscopic surgery, with no clear timetable for a return. The announcement sparked immediate concern, as the team loses important options in one of its most decisive areas.
Fermín out for three weeks
Against Getafe, Fermín came on in the second half to replace Ferrán Torres in the 60th minute. He helped steady the game and contributed to keeping control, but after the final whistle he felt pain in his groin. Tests later confirmed a hip issue that will keep him off the pitch for around three weeks. For a young player who was starting to carve out a place in the squad, the timing couldn’t be worse. It’s not just about missing matches, it’s also about missing the chance to strengthen his role as a dependable option. The good news is that three weeks is relatively short, so Barcelona should have him back fairly soon, just as important fixtures begin to pile up.
Gavi faces surgery with no set return
If Fermín’s absence is manageable, Gavi’s case is more complicated. He hasn’t played since August 23, when he injured his right knee in a La Liga game against Levante. At first, the club tried a conservative approach, hoping rehab would be enough, but the recovery didn’t move forward as planned. Now surgery is the only option. The statement didn’t provide a return date, which only adds to the uncertainty about his role for the rest of the season. Gavi isn’t just another squad player, he’s a central figure in midfield, and being without him for an undefined stretch leaves Hansi Flick with an even thinner set of options.
The impact of the absences
Barcelona may have beaten Getafe comfortably, but the medical reports came as a real setback. The squad now looks lighter in a critical position, and the question is how Flick will make up for the missing pieces without damaging the team’s balance. The challenge is even sharper given the financial constraints that limit reinforcements. With both Gavi and Fermín out, rotation becomes tighter, key players will inevitably rack up more minutes, and the risk of further injuries only increases.