Barcelona lose Garcia and Raphinha ahead of PSG Champions League clash | OneFootball

Barcelona have confirmed that goalkeeper Joan Garcia and forward Raphinha are both facing spells on the sidelines after sustaining injuries this week.

Garcia will undergo arthroscopic surgery on a torn meniscus in his left knee and is expected to be out for four to six weeks.

The 24-year-old picked up the injury during Thursday’s 3-1 win over Real Oviedo and will miss key fixtures, including the Champions League tie against Paris Saint-Germain on October 1.

Barcelona revealed in a statement on Friday that the procedure will be the same type of operation midfielder Gavi had earlier this month, which has ruled him out for five months.

Garcia joined Barcelona from Espanyol in a €25m deal over the summer and quickly became Hansi Flick’s first-choice goalkeeper.

He has started all seven matches this season, conceding only five goals.

The former Espanyol player has impressed with his shot-stopping, although he was criticised for a loose pass that led to Oviedo’s opener on Thursday before Barcelona rallied to win.

With Garcia sidelined and Marc-Andre ter Stegen still recovering from back surgery, Wojciech Szczesny is expected to step into the starting line-up.

The 35-year-old Poland international re-signed with Barcelona last season after coming out of retirement and filled in during Ter Stegen’s absence.

Teenage prospect Diego Kochen is also in contention for a place on the bench as back-up.

Raphinha will be unavailable for around three weeks after suffering a thigh problem against Oviedo.

The Brazilian forward was withdrawn after 65 minutes as a precaution, with Flick later confirming he felt discomfort in his leg.

Raphinha has played in all seven of Barcelona’s matches this season, scoring three goals and providing two assists.

The Catalans have been hampered by fitness problems this season, with Gavi, Fermin Lopez, Alejandro Balde and Lamine Yamal all missing matches at various points.

Balde and Yamal returned to training on Friday and could be available for the upcoming fixtures.

Barcelona are second in La Liga, two points behind leaders Real Madrid after collecting 16 points from their opening six matches.