Joan Garcia's Meniscus Tear: How Barca's Goalkeeping Plans Shift for the Sevilla Clash

What Happened to Joan Garcia?

Barcelona have been dealt a setback ahead of their La Liga trip to Sevilla. Goalkeeper Joan Garcia suffered a meniscus injury in his right knee during the 7-2 win over Racing Santander on Wednesday, 16 September 2026, and medical tests on Thursday confirmed he will be sidelined for around three weeks, according to Goal.com.

The Incident and Diagnosis

Garcia slipped on the wet artificial turf while chasing a ball that had gone out of play near the end of the first half, causing an unnatural twist. He was replaced at half-time by Wojciech Szczesny. Barcelona's official statement initially described only minor pain in the right knee, but tests reported by AS and Catalunya Radio confirmed the meniscus injury. Crucially, it is the right knee — not the left knee on which he had surgery a year ago — and no operation is needed this time, per Barca Blaugranes.

Which Matches Will Garcia Miss?

The timing of the injury is relatively kind to Barca. Because the three-week absence overlaps with the international break, Garcia is expected to miss only one club fixture:

• Saturday's La Liga clash away at Sevilla — ruled out.
• Spain's international break fixtures — he will sit these out as well.
• Expected return: the home match against Getafe at Camp Nou on 10 October 2026.

That return date is an estimate; the club has said the injury's development will determine his readiness, so it could shift if new medical findings emerge.

Who Guards the Barca Goal Against Sevilla?

Szczesny Gets the Nod — With Question Marks

All indications are that Hansi Flick will turn again to Wojciech Szczesny, who is the confirmed No. 2 this season. Flick publicly backed the Pole after the Racing game despite his error in the build-up to the visitors' second goal. The concern for Barca fans is history: when Garcia was injured before last season's trip to the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan, Szczesny conceded four goals in a 4-1 defeat — Barcelona's first loss of that campaign.

Livakovic as an Alternative

Barcelona also have summer signing Dominik Livakovic available, giving Flick a genuine alternative if Szczesny's form becomes a bigger worry. For now, though, the coaching staff's stated hierarchy points to Szczesny starting in Seville.

Recovery Path and What It Means for Barca

With surgery ruled out, Garcia's programme will focus on rest, gradual strengthening and a phased return to training. The three-week estimate means minimal disruption to Barcelona's league campaign, but the Sevilla match is a genuine test: the Sanchez Pizjuan has been an awkward venue, and any goalkeeping uncertainty adds pressure to a defence that conceded twice against Racing despite scoring seven. For context on that attacking display, see our report on Raphinha's hat-trick in the 7-2 rout of Racing Santander.

Interest in "barca" spiked in India this week — Google Trends recorded roughly 5,000 searches with around 400% growth in the past 24 hours as of 17 September 2026 — reflecting how closely Indian fans are tracking the squad's injury news and Flick's selection calls.