Barcelona was dealt a double injury blow on Friday, as both goalkeeper Joan Garcia and winger Raphinha were ruled out of future games, including their Champions League matchup with Paris Saint-Germain the next week.
Barcelona said in a statement that Raphinha, a Brazilian international, would be sidelined for three weeks due to a hamstring injury he acquired during the Spanish champions’ 3-1 La Liga victory over Real Oviedo on Thursday.
Garcia, a Spanish custodian, will be out “four to six weeks” due to a meniscus damage to his left knee, the club announced.
Wojciech Szczesny, a Polish veteran, is expected to take Garcia’s place in goal as Marc-Andre ter Stegen recuperates from a back surgery.
Only if Garcia’s injury heals on the earlier end of the anticipated recovery timeline will he be able to return for Barcelona’s match against rivals Real Madrid on October 26. After suffering a groin injury, Barcelona’s winger Lamine Yamal is expected to return for Sunday’s league matchup against Real Sociedad.
“Hey! The young sensation hinted to his comeback to action after missing the team’s last four games in an Instagram post that read, “I’m back.”
Barcelona won 2-1 against Newcastle to start their Champions League campaign, but they are now two points behind La Liga leaders Real Madrid.
