Barcelona Suffer Joan García Injury Blow as Goalkeeper Ruled Out for Three Weeks

Barcelona have been handed an unwanted injury setback with Joan García expected to spend around three weeks on the sidelines.

The goalkeeper was forced off at half-time during Barcelona's 7–2 victory over Racing Santander on Wednesday after experiencing discomfort following a slip near his goal.

Further medical tests have now confirmed the problem.

Joan García Diagnosed With Right-Knee Meniscus Issue

García has suffered a small meniscus problem in his right knee, with the injury expected to keep him out for approximately three weeks.

The timing offers Barcelona some relief because the international break falls during much of his projected recovery period.

He is therefore expected to miss Saturday's LaLiga meeting with Sevilla, with a potential return against Getafe on October 10.

Most importantly for Barcelona, the injury is not to the left knee that García previously had surgery on.

That means there is no indication of a recurrence of his previous knee problem.

The Injury Happened During a Comfortable Victory

The setback came during what had otherwise been another impressive night for Hansi Flick's team.

Barcelona defeated Racing Santander 7–2 at the Camp Nou, maintaining their perfect start to the LaLiga campaign.

García started the match but was replaced by Wojciech Szczęsny at half-time.

At the time, the change was initially described as precautionary after García slipped while dealing with the ball.

The subsequent tests provided a clearer picture.

Szczęsny Set to Step In

With García unavailable, Szczęsny is expected to take over in goal.

The Polish goalkeeper already replaced García against Racing and will now have the opportunity to start against Sevilla.

His first appearance of the night against Racing, however, ended with a costly mistake that allowed the visitors to reduce Barcelona's advantage.

Flick defended Szczęsny afterwards, insisting that mistakes can happen and maintaining his confidence in the experienced goalkeeper.

That backing could now become important with García unavailable.

Barcelona Have Another Goalkeeper Option

Barcelona are not completely without alternatives.

Summer arrival Dominik Livaković also provides Flick with another senior goalkeeping option.

However, Szczęsny remains the established deputy and has previously shown that he can handle responsibility at the highest level.

The immediate challenge will be maintaining Barcelona's strong start while their first-choice goalkeeper recovers.

The Timing Could Have Been Worse

Although losing García is a blow, the three-week recovery estimate comes with one major advantage.

The upcoming international break should absorb a significant portion of his rehabilitation period.

That could allow Barcelona to avoid a prolonged run without their first-choice goalkeeper.

If his recovery progresses as expected, García could therefore be back around the time Barcelona face Getafe in early October.

For now, Flick will have to rely on Szczęsny and Livaković.

The injury is frustrating, but the fact that it affects the opposite knee from García's previous surgery provides some reassurance.

Fan Debate

⚽ Goal: Joan García has been ruled out for around three weeks.

🔥 Fire: Barcelona could be without their first-choice goalkeeper against Sevilla.

😲 Shock: The injury was initially thought to be precautionary after he was substituted at half-time.

👍 Like: The problem is in his right knee, not the previously operated left knee.

💬 Comment: Can Szczęsny keep Barcelona's perfect start going while García recovers?