FC Barcelona Faces Injury Challenges
FC Barcelona is facing a challenging period as they confirm that both Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan García will be sidelined due to injuries. Raphinha has sustained a hamstring injury and is projected to be unavailable for three weeks. Meanwhile, García is dealing with a meniscus issue in his knee that will keep him out for approximately six weeks.
This development adds to the growing list of absences for the team, as earlier this week, Gavi was declared out for five months, and Fermín López also suffered a muscle injury, ruling him out for three weeks as well.
Upcoming Matches and Player Absences
All four players will miss significant matches, including Sunday’s fixture against Real Sociedad, the Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain scheduled for next Wednesday, and the upcoming clash with Sevilla on October 5.
However, there is a glimmer of hope for fans, as both Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde participated in training on Friday, suggesting they could potentially return to the squad for the matchup against Real Sociedad.
Impact of Raphinha’s Injury
Raphinha’s injury occurred during Thursday’s 3-1 victory over Real Oviedo when he left the game in the second half. He will not only miss vital matches for Barcelona but also Brazil’s friendly games against South Korea and Japan next month. Aiming for a comeback, he could target the La Liga match against Girona on October 18, just a week prior to the team’s anticipated El Clásico against Real Madrid.
With Raphinha out, Marcus Rashford, who joined the team on loan from Manchester United in the summer, is set to seize a more prominent role on the left wing of Barcelona’s attack. García’s absence will allow Wojciech Szczesny to step in as the primary goalkeeper during his recovery.
Recovery and Future Prospects
Barcelona announced that García is scheduled for an arthroscopic surgery on Saturday under the care of Dr. Joan Carles Monllau and is expected to return in four to six weeks, depending on his recovery progress. In a similar timeframe, López might also make his return post the international break, aiming for the critical match against Real Madrid on October 26.
Unfortunately, Gavi and goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen remain long-term injuries, further taxing the squad’s depth.
