Optimism with Joan Garcia ahead of the classic

FC Barcelona is going through a complicated moment, affected by a wave of injuries and a streak of negative results that have generated concern in the azulgrana environment. The absence of key players like Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Fermín López, Joan Garcia, and Gavi has had a direct impact on the team´s performance. Therefore, recovering players has become an absolute priority, and the goalkeeper from Sallent is doing everything possible to return in time.

The classic, a decisive appointment

After the defeat in Seville, Barça lost the lead, and regaining it almost inevitably depends on winning the classic against Real Madrid. In this context, the club maintains hope of having its starting goalkeeper, Joan Garcia, who suffered an injury in the last play of the match against Oviedo and had to undergo surgery. Despite the tear of the internal meniscus in his right knee and the club´s initial diagnosis, which after the arthroscopy performed by Dr. Monllau estimated a recovery time of 4 to 6 weeks, the goalkeeper himself has set a goal to reach the classic on October 26 at the Santiago Bernabéu. That day will mark exactly 29 days since his operation.

Recovery and optimism

Garcia has already missed matches against PSG, Real Sociedad, and Sevilla, and will also be unavailable for the matches against Girona and Olympiakos after the international break. However, according to SPORT, the goalkeeper is optimistic and hopes to be a starter in his first classic with Barça, as long as his knee continues to evolve favorably as it has so far.

His great start to the season

Joan Garcia´s start to the season had confirmed the expectations that the club placed in him. Except for the mistake that led to the 1-0 for Oviedo at Carlos Tartiere, his performances had been brilliant, even becoming decisive in matches like the one at Saint James Park against Newcastle. The Catalan goalkeeper had conceded only 5 goals in 7 matches, while his teammate Szçesny has received 7 goals in the last three matches. Although the Polish goalkeeper cannot be solely blamed for the defensive fragility, the truth is that Joan Garcia´s security —in goal, with his feet, and in aerial balls— is proving to be superior. Recovering him in time for such a crucial match could be one of the best news for Barcelona in this part of the season, where every point will be key to continue fighting for the LaLiga title.