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Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia picked up a knee problem during the club’s 7-2 win over Racing Santander on Wednesday, with manager Hansi Flick hoping the summer signing will be available for Saturday’s LaLiga fixture against Sevilla.
Garcia started the match at Camp Nou but did not return for the second half. Wojciech Szczesny replaced him after the interval, prompting immediate concern over the goalkeeper’s condition.
Speaking after Barcelona’s big win, Flick confirmed that Garcia was dealing with a knee issue but said the club would need to assess the problem before determining whether he can play again this weekend.
“Joan Garcia has a problem with his knee, but we must see. I hope he’s available on Saturday,” Flick said in the post match interview with DAZN.
Barcelona vs Racing Santander
Barcelona dominated from the opening stages and took the lead after just eight minutes when Joao Cancelo found the net with a long-range effort that went in off the crossbar.
Racing had made several changes to their starting lineup, while Flick selected a largely first-choice Barcelona side. The difference was evident as the hosts controlled possession and created repeated opportunities.
Barcelona doubled their advantage in the 25th minute when Raphinha converted from the penalty spot after Pedro Felipe brought him down inside the area.
Racing briefly gave themselves hope when Maguette Gueye pulled one back after taking advantage of a weak challenge from Cancelo. However, Cancelo quickly made amends at the other end. His long-range effort took a deflection off Asier Villalibre and went in as an own goal to restore Barcelona’s two-goal lead.
Raphinha then added his second of the night shortly before half-time after receiving a pass from Dani Olmo.
Barcelona could have gone into the break five goals ahead, but Lamine Yamal saw his penalty saved by Racing goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala after Karim Adeyemi had been fouled.
Joan Garcia Replaced As Barcelona Complete Rout
Szczesny came on for Garcia at half-time, with the latter’s knee issue becoming the main concern for Barcelona despite the comfortable scoreline.
Racing had an early chance to reduce the deficit after the restart when Juan Arana missed a good opportunity. Lamine then struck the inside of the post for Barcelona.
Racing eventually made it 4-2 in the 65th minute when Yassir Zabiri capitalised on an error from Szczesny. Barcelona responded almost immediately, however, as Adeyemi was brought down inside the area for the second time and Raphinha converted the resulting penalty to complete his hat-trick.
Gabriel Jesus added a sixth with a curled finish into the top corner after receiving the ball from Yamal. The 19-year-old then completed the rout himself in the final minute following good work from Adeyemi.
The result marked Barcelona’s seventh consecutive competitive victory at the start of the season and moved Flick three points clear of second-placed Real Madrid.