Barcelona faced a double injury setback on Friday with winger Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan Garcia ruled out of upcoming matches, including next week’s Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain.
Brazil international Raphinha is expected to be sidelined for three weeks due to a hamstring injury sustained during the Spanish champions’ 3-1 victory at Real Oviedo on Thursday in La Liga, Barcelona announced in a statement.
Spanish goalkeeper Garcia, on the other hand, suffered a meniscus injury in his left knee, and the club stated he will be out for “between four and six weeks.”
Garcia will be replaced in goal by Polish veteran Wojciech Szczesny, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen also recovering from a back surgery.
Raphinha is anticipated to return
for Barcelona’s match against rivals Real Madrid on October 26, while Garcia’s return will depend on the speed of his recovery.
Barcelona are expected to have winger Lamine Yamal back for Sunday’s league game against Real Sociedad following a groin injury.
“Hey! I’m back,” wrote the teenage star on Instagram, hinting at his return to action after missing the team’s last four games.
Barcelona trail La Liga leaders Real Madrid by two points and began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win at Newcastle.
(With agency inputs)
