One uncommon injury causing headaches for Barcelona this season – Report | OneFootball

FC Barcelona are facing a troubling run of injuries this season, with one particular issue emerging as a real concern across both the first team and Barça Atlètic.

While discussions about injuries have often focused on pubalgia, particularly following the discomfort experienced by Lamine Yamal, as well as muscular issues affecting key players like Pedri and Raphinha, the true challenge for the club this season is coming from the knee.

As highlighted by SPORT, the meniscus, the crescent-shaped cartilage in the knee, has become a recurring problem, affecting up to four players across Barcelona’s squads.

The first case involves Joan Garcia, who arrived at Barça this summer and was immediately entrusted with the starting goalkeeper role. After strong early performances, Garcia suffered a medial meniscus tear in his left knee during a match against Real Oviedo on September 25.

He underwent surgery four days later, performed by Dr Joan Carles Monllau at the Hospital de Barcelona. The goalkeeper is approaching the end of a four to six-week recovery period and is expected to be available for Barcelona’s next home match against Athletic Club after the international break.

Gavi has also been affected by a meniscus injury. The talented midfielder had previously endured a severe knee injury in 2023, but the current issue is independent.

He suffered a radial tear of the medial meniscus in his right knee during a training session at the end of August. Dr Joan Carles Monllau again carried out the necessary arthroscopic surgery. Barcelona are allowing a full five months for recovery to ensure Gavi’s long-term health.

Oscar Gistau is another player who has fallen victim to the meniscus this season. He felt pain in his left knee after coming on in a derby against Sant Andreu at the end of September.

Tests confirmed a partial tear of the medial meniscus, and surgery was performed on October 7. Recovery is expected to take 10 to 12 weeks, with the first month already behind him.

The latest addition to this list is Alexis Olmedo. The club confirmed his injury on November 1, and he underwent surgery for a partial tear of the external meniscus in his left knee.

Like Gistau, Olmedo is expected to be sidelined for 10 to 12 weeks. This marks the fourth operation performed by Dr Joan Carles Monllau on Barcelona players this season, highlighting a worrying pattern that is affecting both the first team and the B squad.

Meniscus injuries are not particularly common, yet this season they have already caused significant disruption for Barcelona. The club will now be hoping for a smooth recovery for all affected players as they look to maintain performance levels across their squads.