Barcelona suffer Kounde and Garcia injuries ahead of Champions League trip to PSG

Barcelona announced on social media on Sunday, October 18, 2026, that defenders Jules Kounde and Eric Garcia had sustained injuries, handing coach Hansi Flick a double blow ahead of the club’s Champions League trip to Paris St. Germain.

The club confirmed the injuries as Barcelona prepared to visit Paris St. Germain on Tuesday (October 20) and to host Real Madrid in El Clasico next Sunday. Gerard Martin had to leave Saturday's 5-2 win over Real Betis at halftime, and he was not included in the club's Sunday medical update. Andreas Christensen was already out injured before the latest announcements.

Barcelona's social-media medical note specified that Eric Garcia had been ruled out for three to four weeks with a thigh injury. The club gave that timeline as part of the information released on Sunday.

Jules Kounde was reported to have an ankle sprain and will miss the trip to Paris St. Germain, although the update said he could return for the meeting with Real Madrid. That specific availability window was included in the club's injury information.

With Christensen sidelined and the latest absences, the club now has only Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi listed as natural centre-back options for the PSG game. The squad picture at centre back is therefore constrained for Tuesday's Champions League fixture.

Barcelona will travel to face Paris St. Germain in the Champions League on Tuesday, October 20, and are scheduled to host Real Madrid in El Clasico the following Sunday.