Gavi, sentenced, Pedri takes the opportunity to ask for a change: 'I'd rather have him play...'

Last season was complicated for the Andalusian midfielder trained at La Masia. Gavi returned to the team a year ago after his serious injury. In November 2023, Gavi suffered a complete tear of the anterior ligament in his right knee during a national team match against Georgia. He was out of competition for almost a year, and his return was managed with great caution by Hansi Flick to avoid possible relapses.

A few days ago, Gavi began to feel discomfort in his right knee again and, as a precaution, missed the match in Vallecas. It was thought to be something minor, but the player continues to experience discomfort and will have to undergo different tests to determine the extent of the injury. The Andalusian also missed the matches with the Spanish national team last week.

As the days have passed, the discomfort hasn't disappeared, and the player will be out again for the match against Valencia. He has also been ruled out for the Champions League debut at Newcastle's stadium until the real extent of the injury is known. Gavi's discomfort in his operated right knee could be more significant than initially expected.

Marc Casadó emerges as pivot

Gavi's absence won't be the only one for Barça in the league debut in front of their fans. Balde and Frenkie de Jong will also be absent due to injury. In this context, Casadó appears as Flick's solution alongside the Canary Islander Pedri, who has experienced significant fatigue with the national team. The youth player, who was close to leaving in this summer market, will start against the Valencian team.

Marc Casadó broke through strongly last season, being key for the team in the first part of the campaign. He became untouchable for Flick, but his leading role diminished with Frenkie de Jong's return after his injury. Now, after a hectic summer transfer window filled with countless rumors about his future, Casadó will have a new opportunity to show his quality.

Pedri and the praise for Marc Casadó

Marc Casadó's great season didn't go unnoticed by anyone and even earned him his debut with the Spanish senior national team. His teammate on the field, the Canary Islander Pedri, has always been a staunch defender of the work of the player from Sant Pere de Vilamajor. The La Masia graduate ensures a spectacular physical display, not lacking in quality when it comes to ball distribution.

Pedri has always felt very comfortable playing alongside Marc Casadó and has even given him the nickname "pitbull." Pedri thus highlighted that Casadó is a great ball-winner in midfield and praised his way of covering and controlling space. The Canary Islander has showered Casadó with praise on several occasions, describing him as a beast in midfield and a true engine for the team.