Eric Garcia frustrated by injury absence for Barcelona's key fixtures
Eric Garcia has been ruled out for 3-4 weeks after picking up a thigh injury in Barcelona's win over Real Betis. The defender said he feels angry and sad to miss upcoming games, including the Champions League trip to PSG and the Clasico against Real Madrid. Barcelona will also be without Jules Kounde for the PSG match because of an ankle problem.
Eric Garcia sustained a thigh problem late in Barcelona’s La Liga victory at Real Betis, a match in which he also found the net. The club expects him to be sidelined for three to four weeks, ruling him out of a Champions League visit to Paris Saint-Germain and the Clasico with Real Madrid.
Barcelona’s defensive options are further stretched because Jules Kounde will miss the PSG game with an ankle issue. Coach Hansi Flick therefore may need to adjust his lineup for a meeting with the reigning European champions. Garcia said on Instagram that the timing frustrates him and that he will focus on returning quickly.
For Barcelona supporters and followers of the Champions League, Garcia’s absence may lower expectations for two high-profile matches and could shift attention to squad depth and Flick’s choices. Teammates and fans might feel added uncertainty, while PSG and Real Madrid could see a small competitive advantage. More broadly, the news may remind audiences how quickly injury can alter a club’s season and the narratives around major European fixtures, though the sporting impact remains uncertain.