Barcelona starter could return against Celta Vigo after a month out injured | OneFootball

This past Monday marked one month since FC Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia underwent arthroscopic surgery following the tear of the internal meniscus in his left knee, sustained against Real Oviedo.

The 24-year-old summer signing, initially given a recovery window of four to six weeks, is progressing very well and is closing in on a comeback.

Joan Garcia could come back vs Celta Vigo

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Garcia could be ready in time for Barcelona’s La Liga game against Celta Vigo away at the Balaidos on November 8.

Although he has already begun training on the pitch and completed several sessions, no risks will be taken by rushing him. As such, the Spaniard is ruled out of the upcoming game against Elche and will not return vs Club Brugge either.

Instead, the clash against Celta Vigo has been pencilled in as the one where Garcia could make his comeback after more than a month out.

On the verge of a return. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)

Final clearance will depend on the medical staff and a joint evaluation between manager Hansi Flick and goalkeeping coach Jose Ramon de la Fuente.

Given that a two-week international break follows the trip to Celta Vigo, there remains a possibility that his return could be postponed until the Barcelona vs Athletic Club match on November 22, potentially at the renovated Spotify Camp Nou.

It will be interesting to see how Barcelona approach the situation with Garcia and whether they decide to bring him back against Celta or delay his return until after the international break.

Either way, his return will be a major boost for Flick & co., given the quality he had shown in the early parts of the season before getting injured. Until then, Wojciech Szczesny will continue to man the goal for Barcelona.