Madrid, Sep 24 (NationPress) FC Barcelona midfielder Gavi is expected to be sidelined until February or March following an exploratory surgery on his right knee.

The official website of Barcelona detailed on Tuesday evening that Gavi "has undergone an arthroscopy to address a medial meniscus injury, which was sutured to maintain the integrity of the meniscus," and added that the "estimated recovery period is approximately 4-5 months."

In their statement, Barca noted, "First team player Pablo Páez Gavira 'Gavi' has had an arthroscopy to resolve a medial meniscus injury, which was sutured to preserve the meniscus. Recovery time is estimated at around 4-5 months."

The injury occurred during training prior to the last international break, and Gavi had been undergoing a "conservative" treatment that ultimately did not yield the desired results.

After completing his conservative treatment for the radial injury to the internal meniscus in his right knee, he was subjected to rigorous sports stress tests.

This injury is on the same knee where Gavi experienced a torn cruciate ligament while representing Spain in November 2023, which had kept him off the pitch for a year.

The announcement follows the confirmation that Fermin Lopez will also miss time due to a groin injury, while Lamine Yamal had to sit out last week's match due to a pelvic issue.

Lopez has an iliopsoas muscle injury in his left leg and is expected to be unavailable for approximately three weeks. He sustained this injury during the closing moments of Sunday’s 3-0 victory over Getafe.

Barcelona is set for a midweek trip to Oviedo. Coach Hansi Flick granted his players a day off on Monday following the victory against Getafe.

On a positive note, both Alejandro Balde and Pau Cubarsi have returned to training with the team. This was Balde's first session in several days, and he approached it with caution, while Cubarsí was rested as a precaution but has now returned to full fitness. The team also welcomed Barca Atletic's Dro.