Barcelona Hit by Double Injury Blow as Two Key Starters Ruled Out Before Crucial Real Sociedad Showdown

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick faces tactical adjustments for Saturday's clash against Real Sociedad following injury setbacks to goalkeeper Joan García and forward Raphinha.

Raphinha, who delivered an impressive tally of 34 goals and 25 assists throughout last season's campaign, sustained an injury during the recent triumph over Real Oviedo, exiting the match just past the 60-minute mark, though initial assessments suggested no major concern.

Following comprehensive medical evaluation, Raphinha has been confirmed to have suffered a right hamstring strain that will sideline him for approximately three weeks.

This injury timeline means Raphinha will miss not only Saturday's encounter with Real Sociedad but also the upcoming Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain and the La Liga match versus Sevilla, keeping him out until the October international window.

Barcelona's injury concerns extend beyond Raphinha, as goalkeeper García sustained a knee problem despite completing the full match against Oviedo and requires surgical intervention.

García will undergo the procedure with Dr. Joan Carles Monllau, the same specialist who recently operated on teammate Gavi. While Gavi faces an extended recovery period of several months, García's expected return timeframe is four to six weeks.

Beyond the three matches before the international break, García will also be unavailable for La Liga's resumption against Girona and the Champions League encounter with Olympiacos, likely missing the season's first Clasico versus Real Madrid on October 26, exactly one month from García's injury announcement.

Fixtures against Elche, Club Brugge, and Celta Vigo are scheduled before the November international period commences on November 8, with García potentially targeting a comeback later that month. Meanwhile, with Marc-André ter Stegen also sidelined, Wojciech Szczęsny will assume goalkeeping duties for Barcelona.