Barcelona Goalkeeper Joan Garcia's Injury Update

Barcelona are breathing a little easier over Joan Garcia’s knee – but Hansi Flick still has a decision to make before facing Sevilla.

The goalkeeper underwent medical tests on Thursday morning after feeling pain in his right knee during Wednesday’s win over Racing Santander. The problem came from an innocuous-looking slip: Garcia lost his footing on the soaked turf as he chased down a ball behind his goal in driving rain.

He played on until the break, but the movement was awkward enough for Barcelona’s staff to pull him at halftime as a precaution. Wojciech Szczesny stepped in for the second half and saw out the victory.

Relief came quickly. Initial scans at the training ground ruled out a serious injury, calming fears of another long spell on the sidelines. Crucially, the discomfort is in his right knee, not in the left leg that needed surgery last season.

Barcelona confirmed the situation with a brief medical note: Joan Garcia has “mild discomfort in his right knee” and his presence against Sevilla “will depend on the evolution of the injury.”

Flick’s goalkeeping dilemma

That evolution has just 48 hours before kick-off at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, leaving Flick with a delicate call between caution and continuity.

The German coach has a clear track record: he does not rush players back, especially on the eve of an international break. With three full weeks of rest available if Garcia sits out, the temptation to protect his No. 1 is obvious.

If Garcia is not cleared in the final training session before the trip to Andalusia, Szczesny is poised to continue. The Pole, already trusted to come on mid-game against Racing, is viewed as the frontrunner to start again.

There is another option. Dominik Livakovic, Croatia’s first-choice goalkeeper and a summer signing, is still waiting for his official debut in Blaugrana colours. A late twist from Flick could hand him that long-awaited first appearance, though current indications keep Szczesny a step ahead.

Barcelona will run one last fitness check before naming the travelling squad. If Garcia is held back, he gains time and security. Flick, though, must choose his goalkeeper now, with Sevilla and a restless Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan waiting.