Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia has offered a candid update on his recovery process following knee surgery. Providing a disappointing update, he confirmed that he will not be available for the upcoming El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 26.
The 24-year-old joined from Espanyol in the summer and became a fan-favourite very quickly. He has been sidelined since undergoing meniscus surgery on his left knee at the end of September. He recently spoke to Movistar during Barcelona’s EuroLeague basketball game against Valencia Basket.
Garcia shared that his rehabilitation is progressing smoothly. He said, “The recovery is going very well, and I expect to be back in about a month, more or less. We’ll see how I progress, but for now, everything is going well.” Garcia initially sustained the injury on September 25 during the league match against Oviedo.
His surgery was successful. However, doctors have advised caution. They’ve estimated roughly a six-week recovery period. As a result, he is expected to miss at least Barcelona’s next six matches. This will include key Champions League fixtures against Olympiacos and Club Brugge and league encounters with Girona, Elche, and Celta Vigo.
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Barcelona’s injury list has grown worryingly long in the meantime. They’re currently missing several key players and it’s starting to affect their gameplay. Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains sidelined following a back surgery. Although that initially allowed Garcia to step into the starting role before his own setback.
In addition, Dani Olmo, Gavi, and Fermin Lopez are also nursing injuries. Lamine Yamal and Raphinha are also racing against time to regain fitness before the Real Madrid clash. Despite his absence, Garcia remains optimistic about his progress.
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In an interview with Mundo Deportivo, he said, “My knee is getting better every day and I feel good. My return will depend on the timing. There is still a month to go, so we will see what happens.” Since joining Barca, Garcia has featured in seven matches.
In them, he has conceded only five goals and kept three clean sheets. His performances impressed fans early on. Hence, to no one’s surprise, they are now eagerly waiting to see when the Spaniard will don the gloves again. For now, Wojciech Szczesny will continue between the posts for the Catalans in El Clasico.
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