Barcelona’s preparations for two crucial fixtures have been dealt a heavy setback as the Spanish champions confirmed fresh injury concerns to two first-team players.
The Catalan giants will be without winger Raphinha and backup goalkeeper Joan García, who have both been sidelined with significant problems that further deepen the club’s growing fitness crisis.
Raphinha, one of the team’s creative sparks in attack, has been ruled out for three weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury. The Brazilian has been central to Barcelona’s wing play this season, and his absence leaves manager Hansi Flick short of options on the flanks at a vital stage of the campaign.
Adding to the frustration, goalkeeper Joan García is also facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Medical tests have confirmed a meniscus problem in his knee that will keep him out for up to six weeks. His injury reduces Barcelona’s depth in the goalkeeping department, with Marc-André ter Stegen left to shoulder the workload without much cover in the coming matches.
These latest setbacks come at a time when the club is already stretched thin. Earlier this week, Barcelona confirmed that young midfielder Gavi had been ruled out for around five months due to a serious injury, while Fermín López also picked up a muscle problem that will prevent him from featuring for three weeks.
With four players now sidelined until at least after the upcoming international break, Barcelona’s squad depth is set to be severely tested. The timing could not be worse, as the champions face Real Sociedad in LaLiga on Sunday before turning their attention to a decisive Champions League group-stage meeting with Paris Saint-Germain next Wednesday.
Both matches are expected to play a significant role in shaping Barcelona’s season, and Flick must now find quick solutions to cope with the sudden injury crisis that has left key areas of the pitch without their usual starters.
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