There's a surprise, Eric García finds out live, ruled out for el Clásico, joins Gavi and Dani Olmo

As if it had become Groundhog Day, we've gotten used to reading constant breaking news about injured Barça players. If the culé team was already heading into the international break with Fermín López, Raphinha, Gavi, Joan García, Ter Stegen, and Lamine injured, the drama increased next weekend. Dani Olmo, with soleus discomfort; Ferran Torres, with muscle overload; and Robert Lewandowski, with a femoral biceps tear, have joined the list of absentees.

Fortunately for Hansi Flick, Ferran Torres's situation is only precautionary and he'll be available for Girona without any problem. Fermín López and Lamine Yamal will also be available, as they're in the final stages of their recovery and have already trained with the rest of the group as usual. However, the others, for now, nothing.

As we said, next weekend, Barça will face Girona, but in the next matchday, one of the season's matches is coming up. Given how both teams arrive at the clash, the Clásico on October 26 is shaping up to be crucial for the outcome of the battle for the top spot in LaLiga. Before that, the third match of the current edition of the Champions League, against Olympiacos.

All in all, Flick is praying in German to recover some of the other members of the long list of injured players. Raphinha is pushing himself and will most likely make it. Dani Olmo's situation is more complicated, and Gavi and Ter Stegen are completely ruled out. However, what about Joan García?

Joan García, short and to the point

Joan García suffered an injury to the inner meniscus of his left leg in the LaLiga match against Real Oviedo; an injury that even required surgery. His estimated recovery time was four to six weeks and, therefore, his presence in the Clásico was a complete mystery. However, he himself has put an end to any doubts that might have existed. Meanwhile, Eric García witnessed it.

The two Barça players went to the Palau on Friday to watch a basketball game in the EuroLeague against the current Spanish super champion, Valencia Basket. Journalists from Movistar noticed their presence and went to ask both of them some questions. Joan García was asked about his injury and when he might return to the field.

Joan García said it clearly: "We'll see how I progress, but for now, everything's going well. I'll be back in about a month." Therefore, the math is clear: he won't make it to the Clásico. Szczesny will be the one to defend Barça's goal in the important match on October 26. He'll also, of course, be in goal for the two matches before that and possibly a few more; at least, the ones against Elche and Club Brugge.