FC Barcelona’s injury rollercoaster continues. The Champions League has just started and the football club is already short of its superstars. The La Liga giants are set to face defending champions Paris Saint-Germain at the important UCL clash without its two key players added to their injury list.
FC Barcelona left without two key stars for weeks ahead of clash against UCL defending champions
The Spanish club is going through a tough spell physically. The Catalans announced that Joan García, their young goalkeeper will be undergoing surgery this Saturday after the goalkeeper suffered a tear in the meniscus of his left knee. Following this, the Spaniard will be out for four to eight weeks.
Garcia sustained the injury during his side’s La Liga encounter against Real Oviedo where the Culer’s team were able to clinch a 3-1 victory and grab three points. The summer signing has been a starter in every game this season. Along with the fixture against the Ligue 1 side, Garcia is expected to be ruled out against Sevilla, Girona, Olympiacos, and most importantly, a much-awaited game against Real Madrid, which is the first El Clasico of the season.
Meanwhile, this was not it as the situation further became complicated for head coach Hansi Flick when Raphinha was also reported to be ruled out for three weeks. The Brazilian winger is another setback as he suffered a hamstring injury in his right leg. Raphinha, who was ranked fifth in the 2025 Ballon d’Or rankings, was substituted in the 66th minute of the match against Oviedo. The 28-year-old was replaced by Robert Lewandowski.
Barca’s injury list already includes midfielders Gavi and Fermín López. The team will next face Real Sociedad this weekend.
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Flick’s side is in second spot in the league ranking, following arch-rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table. However, the team is relieved that teenage sensation Lamine Yamal is finally set to return and show his magic on the field. As per Diario AS, the 18-year-old trained with the full squad on Friday and is expected to play as early as the team's fixture against Sociedad.