Barcelona’s injury list has grown with confirmation that winger Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan García will both be sidelined,adding to the club’s concerns ahead of a crucial stretch of LaLiga fixtures. The injuries present a challenge for manager Xavi Hernández as he prepares for upcoming matches, including the highly anticipated Clásico against Real Madrid.
raphinha and García’s absences compound existing injury concerns for Barcelona, with Gavi and Marc-André ter Stegen already confirmed as long-term absentees. García sustained a ruptured medial meniscus in his left knee and will undergo arthroscopic surgery on Saturday,with the club estimating a recovery period of four to six weeks. Raphinha’s return timeline is less definitive, but both players are doubtful for the October 28th match against Real Madrid.
The club announced Friday that García’s recovery is expected to take approximately four to six weeks, depending on his progress.In García’s absence, Wojciech szczesny is expected to start in goal. Marcus Rashford, currently on loan from Manchester united, is poised to receive increased playing time on the left wing in Raphinha’s place.
Barcelona initially targeted Raphinha’s return for the LaLiga fixture against Girona on October 18th, a week before the Clásico. Midfielder López, like Raphinha, might potentially be available after the October international break for the trip to Madrid on October 26th.
