Barcelona's Joan Garcia ruled out vs Sevilla with knee injury
Synopsis
Joan Garcia's minor right knee injury — picked up during Barcelona's 7-2 rout of Racing Santander — has cascading consequences: Szczesny starts against Sevilla on Saturday, and Spain coach Luis de la Fuente has had to reshuffle his goalkeeper options for the international break, calling up Josep Martinez in Garcia's place.
Key Takeaways
Joan Garcia has been ruled out of Barcelona's La Liga trip to Sevilla on Saturday with a minor right knee injury.
Garcia sustained the injury in Barcelona's 7-2 win over Racing Santander on Wednesday and was replaced by Wojciech Szczesny at half-time.
Medical tests confirmed no serious damage; his return depends on rehabilitation progress.
The 24-year-old has also withdrawn from Spain's squad for the international break.
Josep Martinez has been called up to replace Garcia, joining Unai Simon and David Raya as Spain's goalkeeping trio.
This injury is to Garcia's right knee , not the left knee that required surgery last year.
Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia has been ruled out of the club's La Liga trip to Sevilla on Saturday, 20 September 2026, after sustaining a minor right knee injury, the Catalan club confirmed. The setback has also forced Garcia to withdraw from the Spain national squad ahead of the upcoming international break.
How the Injury Happened
Garcia picked up the knock during Barcelona's commanding 7-2 victory over Racing Santander on Wednesday. The 24-year-old started between the posts but was replaced by veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny at the start of the second half after experiencing discomfort in his right knee. Subsequent medical tests confirmed that the injury was not serious, though the club has placed no firm timeline on his return.
'First-team player Joan Garcia is experiencing mild discomfort in his right knee. His recovery will determine when he returns,' Barcelona said in a statement on their official website.
Key Context: A Different Knee This Time
Notably, this injury affects Garcia's right knee — distinct from his left knee, which required surgery last year. That distinction will provide some relief to both club and player, given the more serious nature of his previous setback. Even so, Barcelona are taking a cautious approach, keeping him out of immediate fixtures while monitoring his rehabilitation progress.
Impact on Spain's International Squad
Garcia had already been named in Spain coach Luis de la Fuente's squad for the international window before the injury intervened. With his withdrawal confirmed, De la Fuente has called up Josep Martinez as a replacement. Martinez now joins Athletic Club goalkeeper Unai Simon and Arsenal's David Raya as Spain's three goalkeeping options for the upcoming fixtures.
Szczesny Steps In for Sevilla Clash
Wojciech Szczesny, who covered the second half against Racing Santander without incident, is now set to start in goal when Barcelona travel to Sevilla on Saturday. This comes as Barcelona push to maintain momentum in their La Liga campaign. Garcia has been considered an important part of the squad since joining the club, and his return remains contingent on how he responds to treatment over the coming days.
What's Next
With the international break offering additional recovery time, there is a possibility that Garcia could return to first-team duties once club fixtures resume. Barcelona will be monitoring his progress closely before making any further decisions on his availability.
Point of View
But its timing is awkward — Barcelona lose their first-choice goalkeeper right as La Liga competition sharpens, and Spain lose a promising option just before an international window. The more telling detail is the distinction between knees: last year's left-knee surgery was the bigger scare, and a right-knee knock is far less alarming in context. Szczesny's seamless second-half cover against Racing Santander suggests Barcelona's goalkeeping depth is not a crisis point. The real question is whether Garcia's pattern of injury interruptions will affect his standing as the club's long-term number one.
NationPress
18 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Joan Garcia been ruled out of Barcelona's match against Sevilla?
Joan Garcia has been ruled out due to mild discomfort in his right knee, sustained during Barcelona's 7-2 victory over Racing Santander on Wednesday. Medical tests confirmed no serious injury, but Barcelona are keeping him out of immediate fixtures to allow his recovery.
Who will replace Joan Garcia in goal for Barcelona against Sevilla?
Wojciech Szczesny will start in goal for Barcelona against Sevilla on Saturday. He already stepped in for the second half of the Racing Santander match when Garcia was substituted.
Which goalkeeper has been called up to replace Garcia in the Spain squad?
Josep Martinez has been called up by Spain coach Luis de la Fuente to replace Garcia. He joins Unai Simon and Arsenal's David Raya as the three goalkeepers in Spain's squad for the international break.
Is this the same knee Joan Garcia had surgery on previously?
No. This injury affects Garcia's right knee. His previous surgery last year was on his left knee, which makes the current setback less alarming from a medical standpoint.
When could Joan Garcia return to action for Barcelona?
No fixed return date has been set. Barcelona stated that his return will depend on how he responds to treatment and rehabilitation over the coming days. The international break may provide additional recovery time before La Liga fixtures resume.
