A leading member of the first-choice XI at La Liga champions Barcelona is expected to miss the season’s first edition of El Clásico.
The player in question? Joan García.
The name of goalkeeper Joan has of course taken its place front and centre in the headlines in Catalunya’s capital across the day to date.
Unfortunately for club and player alike, however, as much comes for altogether less than positive reasons.
After word was forthcoming that Joan had suffered an injury en route to Barcelona’s victory over Real Oviedo on Thursday night, the 24-year-old was put through a round of medical scans and tests.
And as much revealed a meniscus tear, which is expected to keep Joan on the sidelines for a period of between four and six weeks.
𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧
Player Joan Garcia has suffered a tear of the internal meniscus in his left knee.
Tomorrow, he will undergo arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau.
The estimated recovery time is between 4 and 6 weeks, depending on his progress. pic.twitter.com/cGRzVuRuaE
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 26, 2025
This absence will see Joan miss a number of high-profile fixtures, against the likes of Paris Saint-Germain and Real Sociedad.
The most headline-worthy, though, is next month’s showdown with Real Madrid, an outing which, according to journalist Alfredo Martínez, the summer arrival at Barcelona has already been all but ruled out of.
Joan García de 4/6 semanas de baja . Rotura de menisco y será operado mañana . Baja hasta el parón de selecciones de Noviembre. Se pierde entre otros el gran clásico del Bernabéu. Es la hora se Szczsney
— Alfredo Martínez (@Alfremartinezz) September 26, 2025
Conor Laird – GSFN