FC Barcelona have been dealt another setback on the injury front, with the club confirming that goalkeeper Joan Garcia and forward Raphinha will both spend time on the sidelines. The news comes at a crucial stage of the season, as fixtures are piling up across domestic and European competitions.
Raphinha picked up a hamstring problem during Thursday’s 3-1 away victory over Oviedo. Early assessments indicate he will be out for approximately three weeks. If all goes well in his recovery, the Brazilian forward is expected to return following the upcoming international break, which offers some breathing room for Xavi’s squad.
In contrast, Garcia has been hit harder. The Barcelona website reported that he has sustained a meniscus ligament injury in his left knee. Initial medical projections suggest the goalkeeper will be unavailable for a period of four to six weeks. This timeline rules him out of several key encounters, including Sunday’s La Liga fixture against Real Sociedad, as well as matches against Sevilla, Girona, and the all-important clash with Real Madrid.
The absence of Garcia will also be felt in Europe. He is set to miss Barcelona’s Champions League showdown at home against Paris Saint-Germain, followed by the tie with Club Brugge. For now, Wojciech Szczesny is expected to step in, but the loss of Garcia is a major concern for a squad already battling injuries in a demanding campaign.