A break to recover Joan Garcia and Raphinha

The Blaugrana team faces the third international break of the season after having cut two points off Real Madrid in the standings. The Culés defeated Celta de Vigo 2-4, while the Whites could only manage a goalless draw in Vallecas. It will be two weeks without official competition, a crucial time for the club´s medical staff to continue working on the recovery of injured players. The expectation is that both Joan Garcia and Raphinha will be ready for Barça´s next match, scheduled for November 22 against Athletic Club (16:15 hours) at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys. Two absences that have weighed heavily on Flick´s setup, both due to the security between the posts provided by the Catalan goalkeeper and the offensive presence and off-the-ball work of the Brazilian forward.

Back in goal

The goalkeeper trained in Sallent continues his recovery process and is very close to fully overcoming the rupture of the medial meniscus in his left knee suffered at the end of September against Real Oviedo. "We are very happy with his progress, it is good, but we will wait until the break. After the break he will be back," explained Flick in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Celta game when asked about the keeper´s physical condition. Despite Szczesny´s good performance last season, the start of this campaign has not been as brilliant. The Polish goalkeeper, with some exceptions such as his performance in El Clásico, has dropped his level. So far, he has nine matches played (five wins, one draw, and three losses), with 17 goals conceded and no clean sheets. The return of Joan Garcia will represent a major reinforcement for the team, as in his debut as a Blaugrana he made a great impression between the posts.

An untimely relapse

On the other hand, Raphinha´s comeback is one of the most anticipated in the Culé locker room. The Brazilian was one of the best players of Barça, LaLiga, and Europe last season. His absence has been felt on the field due to his work with and without the ball. For the style of play that Hansi Flick wants to impose, the winger is a key piece both in high pressing and playing in space. Like Joan Garcia, Raphinha´s last match was at Carlos Tartiere. After undergoing medical tests, he was diagnosed with a mid-thigh biceps femoris injury in the right leg, with an initial estimate of three weeks out. However, more than six weeks have passed, as the player did not progress as expected. His full recovery will be crucial for Barça to regain their best offensive version and have one of their most game-changing players back.