Barcelona midfielder Gavi is a doubt for Wednesday's Champions League clash at Benfica in the first leg of their last-16 tie, manager Hansi Flick has revealed. (More Football News)
Gavi, who featured in Barcelona’s thrilling 5-4 win at Benfica in January, has been on the bench in Barca's last two l🐼eague games, but missed a training session due to illness.
"We will see.&nꦏbsp;Yesterday he did not train as he did not feel so good. He will visit the doctor again. We have to wait," Flick said on Tuesday.
The 20-year-old 🐠has played 24 games this season, registering two goals and three assists since returning from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.
"Gavi also came back from a huge injury, and we have to take care of th🍸at and (be cautious) when we play every three to four days," Flick added.
&꧒quot;He can play different positions, not only the number 10, and he is ver൲y good with the ball. Dani Olmo enjoys playing in that position. He scores goals and creates chances."
Barcelona finished the league phase in second place while rivals Atletico Madrid were fifth and Real Madrid, whoღ finished outs♓ide the top eight, had to beat Manchester City 6-3 on aggregate in their two-legged play-off to reach the last-16.
Atletico and Real face each othe✨r in a round-of-16 clash later on Tuesday.
Aske🅺d if Barcelona had an easier draw than their rivals, Flick dismissed the idea, pointing to 🐻January's chaotic win at Benfica, which was only sealed by Raphinha’s winner in the sixth minute of second-half stoppage time.
"At this stage, t💛here are no easy games. Every team deserves to be here. Benfica are a fantastic team, the atmosphere is very special there, and they keep pushi⭕ng," Flick said.
"Benfica play with confidence, and it's very difficult to d🌜efend this, but we have a plan, and we are well-pr🦄epared."
Barcelona's draw sees them win the Cham🌃pions League in 16% of Opta's data-led simulations, with only Liverpool (19%) handed a higher win percentage.
