Barcelona goalkeeper Claudio Bravo is accelerating his recovery process, according to BD Cricket Live. Spanish media report that the Chilean shot-stopper is now in the final stages of rehabilitation and could make his much-anticipated return in La Liga’s seventh round next weekend, when Barça face Sevilla. This news delivers a much-needed morale boost for Barcelona, who are eager to bounce back from recent setbacks.

Bravo has been sidelined since suffering a left leg muscle strain during training on September 7. Since then, German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has stepped up as the starter but has struggled to impress. Over four matches, Ter Stegen has conceded seven goals, including a particularly rough outing where Barcelona were stunned by Celta Vigo, conceding four goals in a single match.

BD Cricket Live notes that Bravo’s absence has been keenly felt. After a triumphant Copa América campaign with Chile, Bravo had managed to maintain his stellar form at club level, keeping clean sheets in both of his La Liga appearances this season before the injury. His return is expected to bring much-needed stability to Barcelona’s backline, which has looked shaky in recent weeks. As the saying goes, “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link,” and Barça clearly needs their dependable Chilean goalkeeper back between the sticks.

Bravo’s imminent comeback also boosts his chances of representing Chile in the upcoming 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Chile is set to face Brazil on October 8 and Peru on October 13, critical matches that demand leadership and experience at the back.

For Barcelona fans and teammates alike, Bravo’s return couldn’t come at a better time. In a season where every point counts and momentum is everything, having a seasoned and composed figure guarding the goal could make all the difference as Barça fights to stay at the summit of Spanish and European football.