Catastrophe for Barcelona as Joan Garcia and Raphinha hit with injuries ahead of PSG clash

Barcelona have been dealt a catastrophic double injury blow, with first-choice goalkeeper and star Brazillian winger both sidelined ahead of crucial domestic and Champions League fixtures. The club confirmed that García suffered an injury during Friday's training session, while Raphinha will be out for three weeks.

Tests have confirmed that Raphinha has sustained an injury to the hamstring in his right leg, forcing him into a recovery period of approximately three weeks. The Brazilian winger is now set to miss Sunday's La Liga match against Real Sociedad, the subsequent league fixture against Sevilla, and the vital Champions League showdown with PSG. Marcus Rashford, who has been in impressive form, is expected to deputise on the flank in Raphinha's absence.

Adding to manager Flick's woes, starting goalkeeper Joan García picked up an unspecified injury during the team's morning training session on Friday. The setback rules him out of the same crucial run of games. Veteran Polish international Wojciech Szczesny, who has produced memorable performances for the club in the past, will now step in to take over goalkeeping duties.

The club confirmed Garcia "has suffered a ruptured medial meniscus in his left knee. On Saturday he will undergo an arthroscopic procedure at the hands of Dr. Joan Carles Monllau. He is expected to be out for around 4-6 weeks depending on his recovery."

The loss of two key starters presents a major challenge for Barcelona as they prepare for a difficult week. Their immediate focus is on Sunday's La Liga encounter with Real Sociedad at the Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys. Following that, they host the defending champions, PSG on Wednesday in a top-of-the-table Champions League group stage match, a fixture for which Flick will now be significantly shorthanded. There was some positive news for the manager, however, as Lamine Yamal and Alejandro Balde both returned to full training on Friday and will be available for selection.