Source:REUTERS/Isabel Infantes
[Saba Sports News] According to Spanish media, Barcelona is facing serious injury problems ahead of their match against Valencia. Gavi will be unavailable due to a right knee injury, and Frenkie de Jong is also doubtful to play due to hip discomfort. Gavi will definitely miss this weekend’s La Liga match against Valencia due to persistent pain in his right knee. The young midfielder underwent knee surgery approximately two years ago. Although coach Hansi Flick stated in a press conference that he hoped Gavi would recover in time, it now appears he may also miss the Champions League opener against Newcastle on September 18. Internal club sources indicate that Gavi’s target is to return for the match against Paris Saint-Germain on October 1. Additionally, Alejandro Balde will also miss the match against Valencia. He suffered a left leg biceps femoris injury in training and is expected to be out for three to four weeks. Similarly, Balde’s target is also to return for the October 1 match against Paris Saint-Germain. Recently, Frenkie de Jong has joined the injury list. He left the national team camp due to hip discomfort and returned to Barcelona on Saturday for initial examinations and recovery treatment. Although the Dutch side believes his injury is not serious, a specific diagnosis will be announced after further examinations on Monday, making his availability for the Valencia match doubtful.