According to Mundo Deportivo, Eric Garcia suffered an injury on October 17 against Real Betis. According to the club's official statement, the Barcelona player sustained a rectus femoris injury in his right leg, with an expected recovery time of "three to four weeks."
This injury is a significant blow for Barcelona, impacting the team's matches against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. Barcelona not only lost their starting right-back but also lacked Kounde and Christensen. With Xavi Espart recently injured and sidelined for seven weeks, Barcelona's defensive problems are further compounded.
Eric Garcia can play any position in defense and even in midfield. Flick had originally planned for him to play as a full-back this season, but center-back is his natural position, where he established himself as a top player. As a center-back, Eric Garcia is exceptional, and his understanding of wide play when deployed as a full-back is also surprisingly strong.
Eric Garcia communicating with Flick after being injured and leaving the field against Real Betis
He has excellent chemistry with Yamal and strong tactical awareness. When left-backs Cancelo or Balde push forward, Eric Garcia maintains his defensive position well.
The best news for Eric Garcia is that his recovery is progressing well. Muscle injuries always carry variables and require caution, but the club doctors are optimistic about his return.
He feels good now, but the club is unwilling to set a specific return date. If recovery takes exactly three weeks, he could be available for Barcelona's match at Atletico Madrid. However, his and the team's condition will need to be assessed at that time, and Barcelona will not rush his return. Eric Garcia will only play when fully recovered, as he is a key player under Flick, and avoiding unnecessary risk is the priority.
Eric Garcia wearing the captain's armband in a Barcelona match
Beyond the Atletico Madrid match, Flick knows that Eric Garcia should be fully recovered after the international break. The Spanish national team plays away against the Czech Republic in Prague on November 12, followed by their final UEFA Nations League group stage match against England on November 15.
Eric Garcia was last called up to the Spanish squad to play as a right-back, but he felt discomfort in his left knee during warm-ups at Wembley and subsequently decided to return to Barcelona. Even if he receives medical clearance before the Atletico Madrid match, De la Fuente will not call him up, as the Spanish coach prioritizes player health. Furthermore, with Porro's recovery, Spain now has another available option at right-back.
The player from Martorell is working hard every day to recover from this untimely injury. Barcelona faces a packed schedule at the end of the year, with important Champions League matches, including an away trip to Baku in Azerbaijan and a home game against Manchester City.