Just In: Key Barcelona Star Ruled Out for Three Weeks After Knee Injury
Barcelona have suffered a major blow ahead of their next La Liga fixture, with goalkeeper Joan García set to miss around three weeks after sustaining a knee injury against Racing Santander.
According to Catalunya Radio, medical examinations carried out at Barcelona’s training ground on Thursday confirmed that García has suffered a meniscus injury in his right knee.
The injury is expected to keep the goalkeeper out until after the upcoming international break.
No Surgery Required
García picked up the problem during Barcelona’s clash with Racing Santander and was replaced by Wojciech Szczęsny at half-time.
The incident happened shortly before the interval when García slipped behind his goal while attempting to retrieve the ball on a wet section of the pitch following heavy rain in Barcelona.
Although the goalkeeper did not suffer a heavy fall, he immediately felt discomfort in his knee. Hansi Flick decided against taking any chances and substituted him at the break.
Following the match, Flick admitted that García had suffered a knee problem and initially remained hopeful that his goalkeeper could recover in time for Saturday's game.
“We have to wait, but I hope he will be available on Saturday.”
However, further examinations have now confirmed that García will be sidelined for approximately three weeks.
The 25-year-old will therefore miss Barcelona's upcoming match against Sevilla, although he is expected to return after the international break.
Barcelona's medical team has also ruled out the need for surgery. Importantly, the injured knee is not the same one that caused García problems last season.
Szczęsny or Livaković?
With García unavailable, Flick now faces a decision over who should start in goal against Sevilla.
Szczęsny was chosen to replace García against Racing Santander, moving ahead of summer signing Dominik Livaković.
However, the Polish veteran endured a difficult night, making an error that contributed to Racing's second goal.
That could reopen the competition for the starting position.
Flick appeared to trust Szczęsny after García's injury, but Livaković will now have an opportunity to make his case in training.
The Croatian goalkeeper has yet to make his Barcelona debut and will be hoping to convince Flick that he