Barcelona to be without key defender in Catalan derby
November 1, 2024
Barcelona appears unlikely to receive any new players from the treatment table ahead of their Catalan derby this weekend. Espanyol, returning to their old home at Montjuic, are also dealing with injury concerns.
As reported by Diario AS, Eric Garcia has essentially been ruled out for the match, having trained alone on Thursday. He still has two training sessions available to demonstrate his fitness to Hansi Flick, but sources suggest the 24-year-old center-back is focusing on being ready for the upcoming matches against Red Star Belgrade and Real Sociedad next week, which he has a fair chance of participating in.
Similarly, Manolo Gonzalez has encountered a setback for Espanyol. Starting midfielder Pol Lozano was substituted shortly after coming onto the pitch in their Copa del Rey match against San Tirso, which they won 4-0, due to a muscle tear. They are expected to welcome back Jose Gragera, who has been struggling with foot pain. Alvaro Aguado is also a possibility to start in place of Lozano.
Barcelona remains without Ronald Araujo, Andreas Christensen, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Marc Bernal, and Ferran Torres. However, things are looking more positive for Flick, with Gavi returning and Frenkie de Jong ready for his first start since coming back from injury. Los Pericos have a challenging task ahead, having managed just one clean sheet so far this season in La Liga, and currently sit above the relegation zone in 17th place. Catalan