Barcelona’s goalkeeping options for the upcoming games following Joan Garcia injury | OneFootball

FC Barcelona were left gutted today as Joan Garcia was confirmed to have suffered a meniscus injury.

As the club announced, the 24-year-old summer arrival will now undergo arthroscopy tomorrow, following which he will be out of action for a period of four to six weeks.

It must be noted that Barcelona are already without captain and No. 1, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has been out since pre-season due to back surgery.

What are Barcelona’s goalkeeping options now?

As highlighted by Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona’s goalkeeping depth looks thinner than it did this time last year.

When Ter Stegen was injured in September 2024, Inaki Pena was ready-made cover, Ander Astralaga had built up significant minutes with the reserves, and by 2 October the club had even announced the signing of Wojciech Szczesny.

Fast forward to today: Ter Stegen is injured again, Szczesny is the main backup, and is now expected to step up as the starter following Garcia’s injury setback.

Eder Aller set to become the second-choice goalkeeper. (Photo courtesy: X/FCBarcelonaB)

But the picture behind him is far less secure. Pena (Elche), Astralaga (Granada), and Aron Yaakobishvili (Andorra) are all out on loan, while highly-rated youth goalkeeper Iker Rodriguez (17) is sidelined with a shoulder injury after surgery.

As such, doubts arise as to who would replace Szczesny in case of suspension or injury.

Diego Kochen had been the designated third goalkeeper in the squad while alternating with Barça Atletic. But he is currently away with the US national team at the U-20 World Cup in Chile.

That leaves 18-year-old Eder Aller, who only has limited experience with Barça Atletic, and 26-year-old Emilio Bernad, signed this summer, to add some maturity to the reserve team, as the remaining options.

With Eder Aller set to become the second-choice goalkeeper for the first team in the coming weeks, Hansi Flick will also need to call up another youth player in his squads to ensure two goalkeepers are available on the bench.

This spot could be taken up by either Max Bonfill (18) or Gerard Sala (17).