Gavi may miss Barcelona’s Copa del Rey tie after being forced off against Alaves

Concussion protocols may have to be followed

Barcelona midfielder Gavi may be forced to miss Thursday’s Copa del Rey quarter-final tie with Valencia after being taken off with a head injury against Alaves.

Gavi went off in the first half of the 1-0 win against Alaves on doctor’s orders and was subsequently taken to hospital for a check up.

Barcelona confirmed he was fine and was swiftly released from hospital but the club have said they will continue to monitor their midfielder.

Gavi may now miss the Valencia game because, due to FIFA concussion protocols, players must follow a specific set of guidelines before returning to action.

If Barca confirm Gavi did suffer a concussion then he needs at least six days to complete the stages required by FIFA, according to Ara.

“Concussions can cause various consequences, and symptoms can develop or change in the minutes, hours and days after the impact.

“Therefore, a systematic procedure must be applied for the examination and treatment of players after a head injury,” say FIFA rules.

Barcelona face Valencia on Thursday and then head to Sevilla on Sunday in La Liga.