Barcelona summer signing unlikely to recover in time for El Clasico – report

According to a recent report from AS, Barcelona are facing a significant setback ahead of the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid, as first-choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia is unlikely to recover in time for the crucial encounter. 

Notably, the Catalan side have been hit by a string of injuries in recent weeks, and Garcia’s situation is now becoming one of their biggest concerns.

Barcelona have already been dealing with a series of fitness problems following their defeats to Paris Saint-Germain and Sevilla. 

Players such as Fermin Lopez, Raphinha, Gavi, and Lamine Yamal have all been nursing injuries. 

While there is optimism that several of them will return after the international break, Garcia’s case appears more complicated.

What happened to Joan Garcia?

It must be remembered that the 24-year-old goalkeeper underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left meniscus towards the end of September. 

Although the procedure was deemed successful, Barcelona’s medical team diagnosed him with a recovery period of four to six weeks, depending on how his rehabilitation progresses. 

Joan Garcia is unlikely to feature against Real Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Even under the most optimistic scenario, that timeline makes his participation in El Clasico extremely doubtful.

The club’s staff have noted that Garcia’s recovery is going well and that both player and doctors have explored the possibility of slightly accelerating his return. 

However, risking a relapse in such a high-intensity match could have long-term consequences. 

For that reason, the medical team and manager Hansi Flick are expected to take a cautious approach.

Given the timing of his surgery, even a four-week recovery would see Garcia return just days before the showdown with Real Madrid, which is not enough time to regain match rhythm or full confidence. 

Hence, Flick’s hope remains to have him available before the end of October, but the coaching staff are already preparing Wojciech Szczesny as the likely starter in goal for El Clasico.