Barcelona Faces Injury Troubles Ahead of Crucial Matches

Barcelona, Spain – Barcelona confirmed significant injuries to two key players on Friday, as winger Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan García are set for extended periods on the sidelines.

Raphinha will miss three weeks due to a hamstring injury he sustained during Thursday’s 3-1 victory over Real Oviedo. He limped off the pitch in the second half, leading to concerns about his availability for upcoming matches, including the Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on October 1.

Meanwhile, García will undergo arthroscopic surgery on Saturday to address a tear in the meniscus of his left knee, an injury that is expected to keep him out for four to six weeks. This adds to the club’s injury woes, as Marc-André ter Stegen is also recovering from back surgery.

“García has suffered a ruptured medial meniscus in his left knee,” a club statement said. “He will need surgery and is expected to be back in about a month depending on recovery.”

Head coach Hansi Flick noted after the match against Oviedo that Raphinha’s substitution was precautionary due to discomfort in his leg. Raphinha has been instrumental for the team, contributing three goals and two assists in all competitions this season.

In their absence, Wojciech Szczęsny is expected to step in as the starting goalkeeper. Meanwhile, Flick might rely on younger players in the squad as he adjusts his strategy for upcoming fixtures against Real Sociedad and Sevilla.

As the season progresses, Bartçelona currently sits second in La Liga, trailing Real Madrid by two points but now must navigate a series of critical matches with a depleted roster.

Flick remains hopeful that Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde, who returned to training this week, could return to the lineup soon. However, with Gavi also out for five months, the challenges continue to mount for the Spanish giants.