The COVID-19 pandemic hinders Pau's recovery from the scaphoid injury. Still, despite the restrictions and limitations, he persists in his efforts to return to the basketball court while continuing to work on other personal projects. On the other hand, the postponement of the Tokyo Olympics gives him more time to recover but also means that he will arrive at the Olympics at the age of 41.

During his recovery process, Pau receives several adverse medical reports about the evolution of his injury. Even so, he continues to pursue his goal of returning to the courts. He must join a competitive team to get in shape for his fifth Olympic Games.

In November 2018, at the age of 38, Pau Gasol suffers a scaphoid injury in his left foot that leaves him out of the courts for months. After several operations and various therapies, he decides to undergo an experimental stem cell treatment. His goal is to reach the Tokyo Olympic Games, but he encounters various setbacks that hinder his recovery.

After evaluating several options, Pau decides to join FC Barcelona, the club where he made his professional debut more than 20 years ago. His goal is to help the team win the Spanish ACB championship and the Euroleague, while preparing to reach the Tokyo Olympics. He has also set his sights on being elected as a member of the International Olympic Committee Athletes' Commission.