It’s a very quick turnaround for FC Barcelona, as they just got through thrashing Racing de Santander, 7-2, less than 24 hours ago. The league leaders travel to Sevilla for a Saturday La Liga fixture in what will be their second match in three days, but also their final game until October 10. That’s because the September and October international breaks got merged into one longer interval this season. Barcelona enter the weekend with a new injury concern, in the form of first choice goalkeeper Joan Garcia.
What are the Barcelona at Sevilla Need to Knows?
Kickoff: Sat. Sept 19, 9pm, Ramón Sánchez-Pizjuán Stadium, Seville, Spain
La Liga Form, Standing: FC Barcelona 1st, 18 pts, +22 GD WWWWW Sevilla 15th, 13 pts +3 GD WLDWW
Garcia exited at haftime of the blowout over Racing, and is likely to sit out this one out. Even if the injury is not serious, and he’s borderline close to fitness, he might still sit this one out. After all, that long international break is imminent now.
”Joan Garcia has had some knee issues. We’ll have to wait to know for sure,” manager Hansi Flick said to DAZN after the game.
So Wojciech Szczesny it is!
Any Other Blaugranes Team News?
No, not really. There are no other updates to cover, from an injury/fitness/suspension stand point. Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji remain out as longer-term injury absentees.
What is the Strongest Lineup that Hansi Flick Could Start Here?
Wojciech Szczesny (GK); Eric García, Pau Cubarsí, Gerard Martín, Xavi Espart; Rodri, Pedri González, Fermin Lopez; Lamine Yamal, Raphinha, Anthony Gordon
Paul M. Banks is the Founding Editor of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He currently contributes to USA Today’s NFL Wires Network, Ratings and RG. His past bylines include the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. His work has been featured in numerous outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, Forbes and the Washington Post.