Joan García Ruled Out for Three Weeks With Knee Injury

Barcelona goalkeeper Joan García is expected to spend around three weeks on the sidelines after suffering an injury to his right knee.

The 25-year-old was forced off at half-time during Barcelona’s 7–2 victory over Racing Santander on Wednesday after experiencing discomfort. He was replaced by Wojciech Szczęsny for the second half.

Medical tests carried out on Thursday revealed an issue involving the meniscus in García’s right knee. Reports from Esport3 and AS indicate that he is expected to miss around three weeks and will not require surgery.

The injury is a relief to Barcelona to some extent because it affects García’s right knee, rather than the left knee that required surgery last season.

His expected three-week absence also comes at a relatively favourable point in the calendar, with the international break approaching. García is expected to miss Saturday’s LaLiga meeting with Sevilla, while his return could come after the international break.

The injury leaves Hansi Flick with a decision to make in goal.

Szczęsny replaced García against Racing, but the experienced Polish goalkeeper endured a difficult outing, making an error that led to Racing’s second goal.

Flick nevertheless confirmed after the match that Szczęsny remains Barcelona’s second-choice goalkeeper, ahead of summer signing Dominik Livaković.

Livaković is therefore another option for Flick while García recovers, although he has yet to make his Barcelona debut.

For García, the immediate priority will be rehabilitation and a gradual return to training. Barcelona's official medical statement has not given a definitive return date, saying his availability will depend on how the injury develops