Barcelona confirm Eric Garcia out for 3-4 weeks as Jules Kounde misses PSG clash

Barcelona hit by defensive injury crisis ahead of PSG and Real Madrid

Barcelona have confirmed a fresh defensive injury blow after Saturday’s win over Real Betis, with defenders Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde both ruled out of upcoming fixtures.

Garcia has been diagnosed with a thigh problem and will be sidelined for several weeks, while Kounde picked up an ankle injury that rules him out of the midweek Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain. The news leaves manager Hansi Flick badly short of defensive options for a defining week that also includes Sunday’s Clásico against Real Madrid.

In a statement released by the club, Barcelona said: “First-team player Eric Garcia has suffered a muscle injury to the rectus femoris in his right thigh. His recovery time is estimated at 3 to 4 weeks. First-team player Jules Kounde has suffered a sprain to his left ankle and will miss the match against PSG. His availability for Sunday’s Clásico against Real Madrid will depend on how his injury progresses.”

There is no update on Gerard Martin, who also felt discomfort against Betis, though the lack of a confirmed absence suggests he could be available for the trip to face Luis Enrique’s PSG side. Barcelona are additionally still without Andreas Christensen through injury, further stretching Flick’s backline for two of the biggest games of the campaign.