Barcelona have been hit by a double injury blow with winger Raphinha and goalkeeper Joan Garcia ruled out of upcoming fixtures, including next week’s Champions League showdown against Paris Saint-Germain.
The Spanish champions confirmed on Friday that Raphinha will be sidelined for around three weeks after suffering a hamstring injury during Thursday’s 3-1 La Liga victory at Real Oviedo.
Goalkeeper Garcia faces an even longer spell out, with a meniscus injury in his left knee expected to keep him sidelined for four to six weeks. With Marc-André ter Stegen still recovering from back surgery, veteran Wojciech Szczesny is set to deputise in goal.
Raphinha is targeting a return in time for the El Clásico against Real Madrid on October 26, while Garcia’s comeback will depend on the speed of his recovery.
In a boost for the Catalans, teenage sensation Lamine Yamal declared himself fit for Sunday’s league clash against Real Sociedad after overcoming a groin problem, posting on Instagram: “Hey! I’m back.”
Barcelona trail La Liga leaders Real Madrid by two points and began their Champions League campaign with a 2-1 win at Newcastle.