Barcelona have been dealt a setback ahead of their upcoming fixtures, with Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan Garcia both ruled out through injury. The news comes just days before their Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain.
In a statement on Friday, the club confirmed that Brazilian winger Raphinha will be sidelined for three weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury during Thursday’s 3-1 La Liga win over Real Oviedo.
Meanwhile, Spanish goalkeeper Joan Garcia has been diagnosed with a meniscus injury in his left knee and is expected to miss between four and six weeks. With Marc-André ter Stegen still recovering from back surgery, Barcelona will turn to Polish veteran Wojciech Szczęsny to cover in goal.
Raphinha’s recovery timeline means he should be available in time for the El Clásico against Real Madrid on October 26. Garcia’s return, however, will depend on how quickly his knee responds to treatment.
On the brighter side, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal has declared himself fit again after a groin issue kept him out for four games. He is set to feature in Sunday’s clash against Real Sociedad, writing on Instagram: “Hey! I’m back.”
Barcelona currently sit two points behind Real Madrid in La Liga and began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 victory away to Newcastle.
