Barcelona Rocked by Double Injury Blow Just Before PSG Showdown
- Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper role is set to change again following an untimely injury setback
- The club faces a major blow ahead of a crucial Champions League clash with the reigning holders
- Another key attacker will also miss important La Liga fixtures but could return in time for a mid-October showdown
Barcelona have suffered a double injury setback, with star winger Raphinha and first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia both sidelined following Thursday’s 3-1 victory over Real Oviedo.
Raphinha, who was forced off in the second half due to hamstring discomfort, will miss around three weeks but will not require surgery, having already contributed three goals and two assists in seven appearances this season.
Garcia, who completed the full 90 minutes, has been diagnosed with a left knee meniscus injury that requires arthroscopic surgery on Saturday, ruling him out for four to six weeks.
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Barcelona confirm Raphinha, Garcia injuries
"Player Joan Garcia has suffered a tear of the internal meniscus in his left knee. Tomorrow, he will undergo arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau. The estimated recovery time is between 4 and 6 weeks, depending on his progress," read a statement from the Catalan outfit.
Marc-André ter Stegen’s back surgery paved the way for Garcia to step in as Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper after joining from Espanyol in the summer.
The 24-year-old has made seven appearances so far, recording three clean sheets, but Wojciech Szczęsny is now expected to reclaim the No. 1 spot. Szczęsny, who is yet to feature this season, played 30 times under Hansi Flick last term after arriving as cover for Ter Stegen’s serious knee injury.
Garcia’s setback means he may not return until mid-November, dealing Barcelona a major blow ahead of next week’s Champions League showdown with holders Paris Saint-Germain.
The Catalans will also be without Raphinha, who is sidelined for the PSG clash as well as La Liga fixtures against Real Sociedad and Sevilla, though he could return in time to face Girona on October 18.
"Player Raphinha has an injury to the middle third of the femoral biceps in his right thigh. The estimated recovery time is around 3 weeks," read a statement from the La Liga champions.
The Brazilian had a sensational 2024-25 campaign for his Catalan club, scoring 34 goals and registering 25 assists in 57 appearances in all competitions.
Barcelona are also currently missing Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Fermin Lopez and Gavi through injury, but Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde are expected to be back in the squad against Real Sociedad.
Source: YEN.com.gh
