FC Barcelona delivered another statement performance in this new La Liga campaign, thrashing Valencia 0-5 at Mestalla behind a Lamine Yamal brace and further goals from Raphinha, Fermin Lopez and Pedri. Amid the goals, however, Hansi Flick’s side picked up an availability concern that will need monitoring in the coming days.
Eric Garcia was forced off before the half-hour mark after taking an accidental blow to the nose from teammate Rodri. The Spaniard asked to be substituted, and Jules Kounde came on in his place, with the Blaugranes already holding a two-goal lead at the time.
As Mundo Deportivo has reported, Garcia was able to leave the pitch walking comfortably and was first examined on the sideline by Dr. Pruna before making his way down the tunnel. Early indications point to a deviated septum, though detailed tests had not yet been carried out at the time of writing, and the club has not issued a formal diagnosis.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Valencia 0-5 FC Barcelona (La Liga) |
| Time of incident | Before the 30th minute |
| Cause | Accidental clash with Rodri |
| Replacement | Jules Kounde |
| Suspected issue | Deviated septum (unconfirmed, tests pending) |
This is not new territory for Garcia, who suffered a broken nose last season and had to play several matches wearing a protective mask as a result. The club will be keen to avoid a repeat of that spell, even if the source stresses that nothing about Sunday’s knock currently appears serious.
Separately, Garcia was already due to sit out Barcelona’s UEFA Champions League opener against Feyenoord through suspension, regardless of Sunday’s injury. Flick will still have to manage his back line carefully over the coming week, an issue that ties into the club’s broader centre-back options and the wider question of whether reinforcements are needed given the club’s financial fair play margin heading into January.
Garcia has established himself as a key part of Flick’s defensive plans this season, and Barcelona will hope that further examinations rule out any serious complication from Sunday’s collision.
