Joan Garcia to miss three weeks after right-knee meniscus injury sustained vs Racing Santander

Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia will be sidelined for three weeks after sustaining a meniscus injury to his right knee during Wednesday’s match against Racing Santander, the club said.

Garcia was removed at halftime and replaced by Wojciech Szczesny after hurting his knee at the end of the first half when he slid behind his goal trying to catch a ball on a pitch made wet by rain in Barcelona; he did not fall heavily but felt immediate pain. Hansi Flick substituted him at the interval, confirmed the knee problem after the match and had expressed hope the goalkeeper might be available for Saturday before tests on Thursday at the club training ground indicated a three-week layoff.

The club’s medical statement specified meniscus damage to Garcia’s right knee, ruled out the need for surgery and noted the injured knee is not the same one that caused him trouble last season. The statement also said Garcia is experiencing mild discomfort in his right knee and that his evolution will determine his return.

Garcia’s absence forces a selection decision for Flick ahead of the upcoming fixtures. Szczesny, who came on for Garcia at halftime on Wednesday instead of summer signing Dominik Livakovic, subsequently made a costly error that resulted in Racing’s second goal, leaving the manager to weigh his options; the report added the manager is believed to stick with the experienced custodian as first choice during Garcia’s absence.

Dominik Livakovic, who has yet to make his Barcelona debut, will be aiming to impress in training to claim a spot in goal, the article said; it also stated that he has picked up a knee injury and will be out for three weeks.

Garcia will miss Barcelona’s forthcoming match against Sevilla. The club expects him to be available to Flick following the next international break.