Eric Garcia Injury Scare: Barcelona Defender Expected Fine After Mestalla Blow

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia was forced off with an injury scare during his side's 5-0 win over Valencia at the Mestalla on Sunday, but early signs suggest it isn't serious.

Garcia went down around the half-hour mark after a collision with teammate Rodri, which left him with an issue to his nose. With Barcelona already 2-0 up at the time, Hansi Flick and his medical staff opted not to risk him further, sending on Jules Kounde in his place.

The early concern was that Garcia could be facing a spell on the sidelines, but according to RAC1 reporter Alex Pintanel, that doesn't appear to be the case. Garcia is said to be fine, and the expectation is that he will be available for Barcelona's league match against Levante next weekend.

Despite the reassuring update, Garcia won't feature in Barcelona's opening Champions League group match against Feyenoord on Wednesday. That absence has nothing to do with Sunday's injury, however. He is serving a suspension after being sent off in last season's Champions League quarter-final second leg against Atletico Madrid, which rules him out of the home game at the Spotify Camp Nou.

His unavailability does open up a decision for Flick at right-back. Kounde is the direct replacement, but his form over the last year hasn't always convinced, so Flick could turn to Joao Cancelo instead, who is yet to start since returning to the club permanently in the summer. Xavi Espart is also an option on either side of defence and could share right-back duties with Cancelo if required.

Behind the scenes, the win at Valencia will still be viewed as a big positive for Barcelona, with Yamal scoring twice and Fermin Lopez, Raphinha and Pedri also on target. But it's Garcia's fitness that will matter most in the coming days, and for now, the club will simply be glad the injury looks to be a scare rather than anything more serious ahead of a busy run of fixtures.