Barcelona manager Hansi Flick will face a selection problem ahead of his team crucial Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain.
In a new development, first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia suffered an injury in training, while tests have confirmed winger Raphinha will be sidelined for three weeks with a hamstring problem, ruling both out of key domestic and European fixtures.
The club confirmed that García suffered an injury during Friday’s training session, while Raphinha will be out for three weeks.
Tests have confirmed that Raphinha has sustained an injury to the hamstring in his right leg, forcing him into a recovery period of approximately three weeks. The Brazilian winger is now set to miss Sunday’s La Liga match against Real Sociedad, the subsequent league fixture against Sevilla, and the vital Champions League showdown with PSG.
Raphinha controls the ball during the LaLiga match between Real Oviedo and FC Barcelona. (Photo by Bruno Penas/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford, who has been in impressive form, is expected to deputise on the flank in Raphinha’s absence.
With Joan García also picking up an unspecified injury during the team’s morning training session on Friday, Veteran Polish international Wojciech Szczesny, who has produced memorable performances for the club in the past, will step in to take over goalkeeping duties.
The club confirmed Garcia “has suffered a ruptured medial meniscus in his left knee.
On Saturday he will undergo an arthroscopic procedure at the hands of Dr. Joan Carles Monllau. He is expected to be out for around 4-6 weeks depending on his recovery.”
Despite the huge setback, there was some positive news for Hansi Flick as Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde both returned to full training on Friday and will be available for selection.
