Injured Barcelona starter will not return in time for El Clasico vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

The first El Clasico of the season is shaping up to be played under strain for FC Barcelona. The congested calendar is taking its toll on players, and the October international break has added to the team’s woes.

With just over ten days to go before the highly anticipated clash against Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, Barça are working against the clock to get key players fit – but several names have already been ruled out.

Gavi and Marc-Andre ter Stegen are both long-term absentees, while, as reported earlier today, Robert Lewandowski is also ruled out with a fresh injury. Dani Olmo, too, is unlikely to return from his calf issue in time for the trip to Madrid.

Joan Garcia also ruled out

Now, according to journalist Santi Ovalle of Cadena SER, another key starter for Barcelona, Joan Garcia, is officially ruled out of the Clasico against Real Madrid.

The goalkeeper underwent surgery for a meniscus tear at the end of September, and it was suggested that he would need around a month’s recovery.

Out of El Clasico. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images)

So, while it was always going to be difficult, there was some hope that the 24-year-old summer signing could make it back in time to make his El Clasico debut on 26 October.

However, as things stand, it is ruled out that the Barcelona goalkeeper will recover ahead of the blockbuster encounter against Xabi Alonso’s men.

Wojciech Szczesny has stepped up in Garcia’s absence, but having the 24-year-old fit and firing would have been a big boost for Barcelona.

Apart from Garcia and the aforementioned players, the Blaugrana are also sweating over the availability of captain and key winger Raphinha for the Clasico, whose recovery from a thigh injury has progressed slower than anticipated.