Barcelona versatile star will be ready for Elche clash after scare vs Copenhagen

FC Barcelona secured a commanding 4-1 win over FC Copenhagen on Wednesday to secure a top-eight finish in the league phase of the UEFA Champions League, securing themselves direct passage through to the Round of 16.

Goals from Robert Lewandowski, Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, and Marcus Rashford helped the Blaugrana mount a comeback after having gone behind very early in the game.

Hansi Flick went into the contest without key midfielders Pedri and Frenkie de Jong, forcing him to start with the trio of Eric Garcia, Dani Olmo, and Fermin Lopez in the centre of the park.

However, Garcia was taken off at half-time by the manager, with Marc Bernal taking his place on the field. The situation caused some concern among supporters, given that the versatile Spaniard is one of Flick’s most trusted lieutenants.

All OK with Eric, will be ready for Elche

Providing an update, Javi Miguel of AS reports that Eric Garcia’s substitution was due to a very minor fitness issue, and the medical staff simply preferred that he did not return after the half-time break as a precaution.

As things stand, the former Manchester City starlet is expected to be fully available for Saturday’s match against Elche in La Liga.

Eric Garcia played only 45 minutes vs Copenhagen. (Photo by Stuart Franklin/Getty Images)

This is very good news for Flick, who will also have Frenkie de Jong back after his suspension kept him out of the Champions League encounter on Wednesday.

As for Eric, the Spaniard endured a tough period during his time on the field against Copenhagen in the defensive midfield role.

The Danish outfit’s high press made things difficult for the Barcelona utility man, while he also lost possession in the lead-up to the visitors’ only goal of the game.

Eric also suffered a blow to his face, from which he recovered, and even came close to scoring, striking the woodwork with a powerful strike.

Eventually, he was replaced by Bernal, who was very good from the get-go and made things a lot easier for Barcelona to mount a comeback.