Barcelona star Eric Garcia set to wear protective mask after nasty Rodri collision | OneFootball

Eric Garcia is set to wear a protective mask in his next matches after suffering a blow to the nose during Barcelona’s 5-0 victory over Valencia at Mestalla.

The Barcelona defender was forced off in the 28th minute after an accidental collision with new teammate Rodri during a corner. 

The midfielder’s head caught Garcia in the face, leaving the defender shaken and requiring an early substitution.

It was an unfortunate moment in an otherwise excellent performance from Garcia, who had been playing at right-back before the incident. 

The timing of the injury is particularly frustrating because the defender was already unavailable for Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Feyenoord through suspension.

Garcia suffers another blow to his nose

Garcia knows all too well how problematic a nasal injury can be. He suffered a similar issue last season after an incident during Barcelona’s Champions League meeting with Club Brugge in November.

During an aerial challenge, Garcia’s nose struck Romeo Vermant’s head, and he was forced to leave the pitch. 

The subsequent medical report confirmed a fracture to the bones of his nose, with the defender requiring a protective mask for almost two months.

The latest blow has therefore brought back familiar concerns for the Barcelona academy graduate. 

He was visibly uncomfortable after the collision with Rodri and asked to come off, while the midfielder was left frustrated by the accidental incident.

Garcia’s next appearance is likely to come against Levante on Sunday, when the mask is expected to make its return.

Barcelona already have a replacement lined up

Notably, Jules Kounde replaced Garcia against Valencia and is expected to start against Feyenoord next Wednesday as well.

The Frenchman therefore appears set to take over at right-back for Barcelona’s Champions League debut, giving Hansi Flick a straightforward solution to Garcia’s absence.

Garcia has been an important part of Flick’s league plans so far. 

He has started three of Barcelona’s four matches this season, all at right-back, against Elche, Athletic Club and Valencia, while he was rested for the meeting with Rayo Vallecano.