Barcelona dealt fresh setback as 23-year-old star picks up injury ahead of UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich: Reports
Spanish defender Eric Garcia has been ruled out for Barcelona's UEFA Champions League clash against Bayern Munich on Wednesday, October 23, as per Mundo Deportivo.
Hansi Flick's Barcelona recorded a 5-1 victory over Sevilla on Sunday, October 20. Robert Lewandowski (24', 39') and Pablo Torre (82', 88') scored twice while Pedri (28') also found the back of the net against Los Nervionenses.
Eric Garcia was named in the starting XI against Sevilla. However, the 23-year-old missed the match after he picked up an injury in his right adductor muscle during the warm-up. Later, Ansu Fati was chosen by the German manager to take Garcia's spot in the starting lineup.
As per the aforementioned report, he's expected to miss Barcelona's UCL fixture against Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich.
The Spaniard has made nine appearances for Hansi Flick's side this season, assisting one goal. Mainly playing as a defensive midfielder, he has also helped the Camp Nou outfit keep three clean sheets in La Liga.
Meanwhile, Gavi made his return for the Blaugrana after 11 months. The Spanish midfielder last played for the La Liga giants in November 2023 before he suffered an ACL injury.
Amid Eric Garcia's absence, Hansi Flick will have plenty of options in the midfield, which includes the likes of Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Pablo Torre, and Gavi.
However, Garcia's name has made Blaugrana's injury list longer, which already includes Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Ferran Torres, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen, and Marc Bernal.
Barcelona currently leads Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid in the race to sign German defender this summer: Reports
Hansi Flick's Barcelona are reportedly the frontrunners to sign Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah, who will become a free agent next summer, as per journalist Matteo Moretto.
The German defender has garnered the attention of top European clubs such as Liverpool and Real Madrid. In addition to that, he's reportedly not interested in signing a new contract with the German champions. As a result, Tah has been a top priority for several clubs.
Nevertheless, Blaugrana are currently leading the race because they have a decent relationship with Pini Zahavi, Jonathan Tah's manager. Zahavi is considered close to Blaugrana, and he also played a crucial role in Robert Lewandowski signing for the Camp Nou outfit.