FC Barcelona: verdict delivered on Joan Garcia! (Official)

Sidelined with a right knee issue against Racing, the Barça keeper should miss Sevilla and the international break

Europe Today at 09:30

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FC Barcelona: verdict delivered on Joan Garcia! (Official)

Substituted at half-time against Racing Santander, Joan Garcia is suffering from a right knee injury and is expected to miss several matches with Barça.

FC Barcelona’s comprehensive victory over Racing Santander (7-2) on Wednesday evening was not entirely perfect. Joan Garcia had to give up his place at half-time after slipping on an area of the stadium not covered by grass. The incident quickly caused concern about the Spanish goalkeeper.

Barça have since provided an update on his condition, referring to « some slight discomfort in his right knee ». The Catalan club is therefore reassuring about the seriousness of the injury, even though the goalkeeper is expected to miss the trip to Sevilla scheduled for this weekend in La Liga.

First team player Joan Garcia is experiencing mild discomfort in his right knee. His evolution will determine his return. pic.twitter.com/oI6IJiK62i
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 17, 2026

Joan Garcia is expected to miss the international break

The incident also comes at a bad time for the Spain international. Luis de la Fuente is due to announce his next squad in the coming hours, and Joan Garcia should logically miss the gathering. According to the first reports from Spain, his absence could last around three weeks, with no surgery being considered.

The good news for Barça is that this period largely coincides with the international break. The goalkeeper is currently expected to return when competition resumes, on October 10 against Getafe. Until then, Wojciech Szczęsny should reclaim the starting spot in goal.

An alert following a perfect start to the season

This injury is the main downside of an otherwise ideal evening for the Liga leaders. Barça crushed Racing 7-2 and now have six wins from six matches, 18 points and already 28 goals scored. The first update given by Hansi Flick after Joan Garcia was substituted had nevertheless been reassuring.

The goalkeeper had established himself as an important member of the Catalan starting eleven since the beginning of the season. His ability to play high up the pitch and contribute to the build-up from the back fits perfectly with Flick’s principles, particularly in Champions League matches.

A return expected against Getafe

If his recovery continues favourably, Joan Garcia should therefore miss only a limited number of matches with his club. His absence with Spain will also allow him to continue his recovery without rushing, as La Roja prepare for their first gathering since their triumph at the 2026 World Cup .

Barça will now monitor the condition of his right knee on a daily basis. The objective is clear: to have their goalkeeper back as soon as competition resumes against Getafe and prevent an apparently minor alert from developing into a more serious problem.