25-year-old Barcelona star is now fully fit and likely to start against Atletico Madrid – Report | OneFootball

In the last few weeks, FC Barcelona have had to contend with some important absences. Both of their starting fullbacks, Alejandro Balde and Jules Kounde, have been out with injuries, while the midfielder Frenkie de Jong has also been limited to the sidelines.

Meanwhile, Eric Garcia also suffered from some physical problems, which kept him unable to play in the matches against Sevilla and Rayo Vallecano.

However, as Diario AS has noted, the Spaniard has been training with the team for some days now, and is expected to be available for the crucial game against Atletico Madrid.

Garcia has been one of the most important players in Flick’s plans this season. Before his injury, he had played in every official match up to that point, starting 39 of the first 40 and accumulating 3,230 minutes.

His versatility has also been invaluable. He has filled in as a pivot in De Jong’s absence, played at right-back when Kounde was unavailable, formed an excellent central defensive partnership with Cubarsi, and even appeared at left-back against Real Sociedad.

For the upcoming match, the most likely scenario is Garcia starting at right-back, as Kounde, though expected in the squad, may not yet be fully match fit.

The 25-year-old Spaniard could also start in central defence alongside Cubarsi, but that would require dropping Gerard Martin, who has been performing at a high level and remains fresher than the other options.

Regardless of where he plays, Eric Garcia’s availability is a welcome development for Barcelona and could prove decisive in maintaining stability and consistency as the team approaches the final stretch of the season.