Flick could call up 18-year-old Barcelona starlet against Sevilla in place of injured star | OneFootball

According to Mundo Deportivo, Iker Rodriguez is emerging as the most likely candidate to replace Joan Garcia if Barcelona decide to rest their first-choice goalkeeper for Saturday’s trip to Sevilla.

Garcia experienced discomfort in his right knee during Wednesday’s match against Racing Santander, with the club confirming earlier today that he has a mild injury.

However, the positive news is that the issue is not serious and there is a possibility that the 25-year-old star could even be available for the weekend La Liga game against Sevilla.

Barcelona will make a final decision on his availability after Friday’s training session. Hansi Flick has not yet ruled out including the Spain international in his squad.

Joan Garcia has suffered a minor injury. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

If Garcia is left out as a precaution, Rodriguez would logically be the leading academy option to complete Flick’s goalkeeping group for the La Liga match at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.

He would join the expected starter, Wojciech Szczesny, and Dominik Livakovic.

Rodriguez impressing with Barça Atletic

The 18-year-old Spain Under-19 international is still eligible for youth football, but he has already established himself as the starting goalkeeper for Barça Atletic.

Rodriguez has started the reserve side’s first two league matches this season, keeping clean sheets against Naxara, in a 5-0 victory, and Logrones B, which ended 0-0.

He was particularly important in the latter match, producing a crucial close-range save in the final minute to preserve the draw.

Eder Aller had previously been expected to compete with Rodríguez for the role of third-choice goalkeeper around the first team before Livakovic’s arrival.

Barcelona rate Iker Rodriguez very highly. (Picture credit: Instagram/@ikerrodriguez.01)

However, Aller suffered a minor injury during the Barcelona vs Feyenoord UEFA Youth League match and was substituted at half-time.

That leaves Rodriguez as the natural academy candidate should Flick need additional cover against Sevilla.

Barcelona already planning Rodriguez’s future

Rodriguez is regarded by Barcelona’s sporting department as one of the club’s most promising emerging goalkeepers.

His current contract runs until 2027, but the Catalans have already made significant progress towards a renewal. The agreement has not yet been formally signed due to scheduling issues.

The club moved early to secure his future after receiving interest from several European clubs during the summer.