Barcelona is gearing up for their upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano scheduled for Sunday at 2 PM. Joan Garcia, who experienced a calf issue during the recent 7-2 win over Newcastle, has fully recovered and participated normally in Saturday’s training session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper.
Meanwhile, Eric Garcia, who also had discomfort during the Newcastle game, did not train. Although no serious injury is reported, the coaching staff has chosen to rest him as a precaution, indicating he will likely miss the match against Rayo. The break for international fixtures will be used for his complete recovery.
To cover for the absences of Eric Garcia and other defenders including Koundé, Balde, Christensen, and De Jong, coach Hans Flick has called up several players from the youth squad. The newcomers include right-back Xavi Espart, left-sided central defender Álvaro Cortés, defensive midfielder Tommy Marqués, and recent signing Patricio Pacífico, a versatile Uruguayan defender who joined Barça Atlètic in the winter transfer window.
This reshuffling offers the young players a significant opportunity to demonstrate their quality at a high level and presents a challenge for the coaching staff in organizing the defense. The lack of key defenders unquestionably increases the pressure on the team ahead of the Rayo match.
