Injured Barcelona Star Teases Fans with Cryptic El Clasico Return Message
Barcelona's keeper Joan García hasn't completely dismissed the possibility of featuring in El Clásico, though he acknowledged that being sidelined for roughly another month seems "more or less" realistic.
The 24-year-old shot-stopper went under the knife for a knee problem in late September, immediately casting doubt over his participation in the October 26 clash against Real Madrid.
Hope for a quick comeback was raised earlier this week when Barcelona's substitute goalkeeper, Wojciech Szczęsny, suggested he wasn't anticipating action in La Liga's marquee match, though the experienced Polish keeper may have to keep preparing for duty in the near future.
Speaking to Movistar+ recently, García acknowledged that spending roughly another month recovering was "more or less" on target, while noting "we'll monitor my development, but everything is progressing positively so far."
A comeback in November appears more realistic for García, who will miss not only El Clásico but also La Liga encounters with Girona and Elche at minimum. Champions League group stage matches against Olympiacos and Club Brugge will likely arrive too early as well.
Varied Injury News for Barcelona During International Window
Barcelona have been openly displaying Fermín López's training return during the international pause, with his comeback potentially arriving at an ideal moment following Dani Olmo's withdrawal from Spain's squad due to injury concerns.
His departure from the national team occurred just days after defensive midfielder Marc Bernal followed the same route and soon after Spain released Lamine Yamal back to Barcelona for ongoing treatment of his groin problem.
Raphinha was omitted from Brazil's roster with a hamstring issue, though Barcelona remains optimistic about his availability when domestic competition resumes next weekend.
Gavi and Marc-André ter Stegen continue as long-term casualties for Hansi Flick, who faces mounting pressure following a disappointing loss to Paris Saint-Germain and a subsequent 4–1 demolition by Sevilla before the international hiatus.