Barcelona: Young Star Gavi Benched for Shakhtar Match After Red Card in Porto

Barcelona will have to deal with a setback without their young prodigy, Gavi before their upcoming Champions League match against Shakhtar Donetsk.

During the Porto game, the adolescent was given his marching orders after receiving a second yellow card for a late pull-back foul and receiving a one-match suspension.

On October 22, the vital match against Shakhtar will take place, and Xavi is without Gavi’s assistance. The Barcelona manager is crossing his fingers that Frenkie de Jong and Pedri will return to strengthen the midfield options.

This week, Pedri made progress in his training, and it is hoped that he will return after the international break. De Jong is still dealing with an ankle problem, so his return might not be on the horizon until November.

Barcelona now tops the group standings with a pristine record of two victories from two games, despite the difficulties in the middle of the field. With three points each, Porto and Shakhtar are right behind Antwerp, who is still looking for their first point in the competition. As the squad works to hold onto its place at the top of the group, the future holds lots of excitement. Watch this space for more action from the Champions League!