Barcelona Hit by Garcia Injury Blow as Kounde Doubt Grows for El Clasico
Barcelona will head into a demanding run of domestic and European fixtures with fresh concerns over Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde, while Gerard Martin could yet provide Hansi Flick with a defensive option for the Champions League visit to Paris Saint-Germain.
Barcelona confirm Garcia thigh injury
- Garcia scored in the bruising match against Real Betis but was substituted late on after suffering a muscular problem.
- Medical examinations at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper confirmed an injury to the rectus femoris in his right thigh.
- The Spanish international is expected to be unavailable for between three and four weeks.
- His absence is set to cover the trip to PSG, El Clasico against Real Madrid, and matches against Alaves, Aston Villa and Atletico Madrid.
- Barcelona do not expect Garcia to return until after the second international break of the season.
The setback removes a versatile defensive player from Flick’s plans at a critical point of the campaign, with Barcelona facing major tests in both La Liga and the Champions League.
Kounde doubtful after ankle sprain
Kounde has added to Barcelona’s concerns after picking up a sprain to his left ankle. The France defender arrived at the training ground with a visible limp, raising immediate doubts over his availability.
He has already been ruled out of the midweek Champions League match in Paris. Barcelona’s priority will now be to assess whether he can recover in time for next Sunday’s meeting with Real Madrid.
Martin offers a possible boost
There is more encouraging news surrounding Martin, who was replaced at half-time against Betis after reporting pain in his foot. Garcia entered the game in his place.
Early checks indicate inflammation rather than a tear or fracture, leaving open the prospect of a quicker recovery. If his condition improves across the next 48 hours, Martin is expected to travel with the squad to France.
His availability would give Flick an additional rotation choice in defence, even if the youngster is not ready to begin against PSG.
Strong start despite mounting absences
The injury issues arrive after an outstanding opening to Barcelona’s season. Flick’s team have won each of their first nine La Liga matches, collecting 27 points and establishing a five-point lead over second-placed Atletico Madrid.
Barcelona have also begun their Champions League campaign in commanding fashion. They opened with a 5-1 home victory over Feyenoord before following it with a 4-1 away win against Galatasaray, setting up the PSG trip with maximum points from their first two European fixtures.
