Barcelona lose García and Koundé for PSG Champions League trip
Barcelona will travel to face Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday without Eric García and Jules Koundé, after both defenders suffered injuries during Saturday’s victory at Real Betis. García has been sidelined for up to four weeks with a thigh problem and will also miss Sunday’s Clásico against Real Madrid, while Koundé’s ankle sprain will be monitored ahead of the league meeting at Spotify Camp Nou.
Barcelona injury position before PSG and Real Madrid
| Player | Injury status | Expected availability |
|---|---|---|
| Eric García | Thigh injury | Out for up to four weeks; misses PSG and Real Madrid |
| Jules Koundé | Ankle sprain | Out against PSG; to be assessed for the Clásico |
| Andreas Christensen | Thigh issue | Unavailable |
| Raphinha | Returned from injury | Available for PSG and Real Madrid |
The double setback removes the two players Hansi Flick has deployed at right-back this season. Koundé’s condition will be reviewed during the week, but García’s absence is expected to extend beyond the visit of Madrid.
Barcelona have alternatives in the full-back positions. João Cancelo and Xavi Espart, who have both featured on the left this season, are capable of moving across, while Alejandro Balde is another possible solution on the right.
García’s lay-off also creates a more serious shortage in central defence. With Andreas Christensen already recovering from a thigh injury, Pau Cubarsí and Gerard Martín are the only fit specialist centre-backs available for the Paris trip.
Flick could consider using midfield cover if required. Rodri and Frenkie de Jong have both previously operated in defence, and the Barcelona coach has indicated that De Jong remains an option at the back after returning to training last week.
De Jong was back in the matchday group for the weekend win over Betis, while captain Raphinha made his return as a substitute. The Brazilian is expected to be ready for both the Champions League fixture in France and Sunday’s showdown with Real Madrid.
Despite the defensive concerns, Barcelona approach a defining week of the campaign with their early-season momentum intact. The Betis result made it 11 victories from 11 matches in all competitions, and Flick’s side will seek to preserve that perfect record against the European champions before turning their attention to the Clásico.
