FC Barcelona face a defensive dilemma for the Feyenoord fixture after a top defender was declared out due to injury.
FC Barcelona’s medical room has been kept unusually busy during the opening month of the 2026/27 campaign as Hansi Flick navigates a demanding fixture schedule across domestic and European fronts.
Despite extending their perfect start in La Liga with a dominant performance at Mestalla, concerns immediately spread across the technical bench following a severe physical blow to the defensive unit early in the match.
The player at the center of the injury scare is Spanish defender and club captain Eric García.
According to a report by Diario Sport, García was forced off the field in the 28th minute against Valencia after suffering an accidental head-to-head collision with teammate Rodri during a corner kick contest. Detailed medical evaluations confirmed a deviated septum and nasal fracture.
However, following rapid treatment by doctor Ricard Pruna’s medical team, the 25-year-old versatile defender has already resumed training at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper equipped with a custom protective mask.
While García is set to miss Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League opener against Feyenoord at Spotify Camp Nou due to a carry-over European suspension, the medical prognosis for his domestic availability is remarkably positive.
Rather than requiring a lengthy period of isolation, García’s early return to ball-work sessions ensures he will be fully cleared to join Flick’s matchday squad for the upcoming La Liga trip to face Levante.
García’s quick recovery provides immense relief for Flick’s defensive rotation, particularly given the ongoing workload demands on core centre-backs Pau Cubarsí and Jules Koundé.
Having established himself as a trusted, multi-positional leader capable of operating across both the backline and central midfield, García’s readiness for the Levante fixture guarantees that Barcelona maintains vital squad depth as they enter a grueling two-week stretch of back-to-back fixtures.
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