Barcelona is suffering from significant defensive problems ahead of their UEFA Champions League Round-of-16 first leg against Newcastle United. Eric Garcia is listed as a serious doubt due to muscle discomfort, according to Mundo Deportivo.
This injury concern is a major setback for coach Xavi Flick, who is already without Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde due to hamstring injuries. Andreas Christensen is also sidelined, leaving the team with only four defenders available: Ronald Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Marin, and Joao Cancelo.
Should Garcia be unable to play, Flick is expected to deploy Araujo at right-back, with Cancelo, Marin, and Cubarsi forming the central defense. Another possible lineup involves moving Cancelo to right-back and pairing Araujo with Cubarsi centrally, but this option seems less preferred.
According to Marca, Garcia will likely be on the bench and could possibly feature as a substitute, as the muscle issue is considered moderate. The club is opting for caution with an important match coming up.
These factors put Barcelona's defensive line in a fragile position ahead of one of the season's key fixtures.
