Barcelona have confirmed midfielder Gavi is to undergo surgery on a meniscus injury, while Fermín López faces three weeks on the sideline.

Gavi has not featured for the defending LaLiga champions since the second game of the new league campaign against Levante last month.

And the club announced on Monday that the Spain international is set for an elongated spell on the sidelines in a statement released on their website.

It read: “The first team player Pablo Martín Páez Gavira (Gavi) underwent intense sporting stress tests after finishing his conservation course of treatment for the radial injury to the internal meniscus in his right knee.  

“The conclusion is that in order to guarantee the best possible recovery and return to competitive action, this Tuesday Gavi will undergo an arthroscopic examination by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau, under the supervision of the Club’s Medical Staff. There will be another press release once the procedure has been carried out.”

While Barca did not confirm a likely recovery time for Gavi, it is anticipated he will be out of action until at least November.

Barca have continued to excel in Gavi’s absence, maintaining their unbeaten start to the season on Sunday with a 3-0 win over Getafe, capping a fine week that saw them win 2-1 at Newcastle United in their Champions League opener last Thursday.

Yet that victory over Getafe saw them suffer a setback with the injury to Fermin, who is now poised to miss their next four games, including the Champions League clash with holders Paris Saint-Germain on October 1.

Barca are already dealing with a groin injury for teenage superstar Lamine Yamal, who has not played since controversially featuring for Spain during the international break with the help of painkillers.

Hansi Flick’s men face Real Oviedo away on Thursday.