Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia is set to be available for Tuesday's UEFA Champions League match against Eintracht Frankfurt despite a recent injury scare. The keeper suffered a knock during the win over Real Betis but is reported to be recovering well. The news provides a boost for manager Hansi Flick ahead of the sixth-round group stage fixture at Spotify Camp Nou.
Barcelona's Joan Garcia gave the team a brief concern after limping off the team bus following Saturday's 5-3 victory over Real Betis at La Cartuja. The goalkeeper, who delivered a solid performance in that match, was seen limping again while boarding the plane to Seville airport. He trained in the gym on Sunday but is not worried about the knock, according to Diario AS reporter Javi Miguel, who posted on X: “Joan Garcia is not worried. Just a knock. He’ll train with the rest of the goalkeepers tomorrow.”
Dressing-room sources confirm that, as long as the injury does not worsen, Garcia will be fit to face Eintracht Frankfurt on Tuesday, December 9, at Spotify Camp Nou. During the Betis game, Garcia had no chance to stop Antony’s close-range goal for the 1-0 lead, though Barcelona quickly turned the score around. He remained alert with the defensive line pushed high but was overshadowed by two goals conceded due to defensive lapses.
The upcoming match is crucial in the Champions League group stage. Eintracht Frankfurt arrives after a 6-0 defeat to RB Leipzig, where they struggled in the second half. Manager Dino Toppmöller was critical, stating: “The margin of victory for Leipzig is deserved because of a dismal second performance from us. We lacked sharpness in the duels, and it was far too easy for Leipzig. Overall, it was a very, very poor performance, for which we apologise to our travelling fans, who once again gave us tremendous support.” Frankfurt also faces injury issues, with Michy Batshuayi forced off at halftime against Leipzig and Jonathan Burkardt expected to miss the game.
This availability of Garcia strengthens Barcelona's preparations under Hansi Flick.