Barcelona defender already back in training and will play against Levante after nose injury

Barcelona defender already back in training and will play against Levante after nose injury Barcelona have received positive news on Eric Garcia after the versatile defender suffered another nose injury during Sunday’s emphatic victory over Valencia. According to a report from SPORT , Garcia has suffered a nasal fracture but is not expected to miss Barcelona’s next La Liga fixture against Levante.  The versatile defender, who is now one of Barcelona’s captains , has already returned to training wearing a protective mask and is targeting a return next Sunday. It is to be noted that Garcia was forced off in the 29th minute at Mestalla after an accidental collision with Rodri.  The pair challenged for a corner, and Rodri’s head struck Garcia’s already vulnerable nose, leaving the defender visibly upset as he made his way off the pitch. Eric Garcia injured his nose against Valencia. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Despite the initial concern surrounding the injury, Barcelona are now optimistic that Garcia can feature against Levante. Garcia already training with protective mask The latest update will come as a relief to Hansi Flick, who has relied heavily on Garcia at right-back during the opening weeks of the season. The defender has started three of Barcelona’s first four league matches, with Flick preferring him to Jules Kounde in the position.  Hence, his return to training on Monday is particularly encouraging. He worked at the Ciutat Esportiva while wearing a mask designed to protect his nose from further damage. The precaution is familiar territory for the Barcelona academy product, as Garcia already suffered a fractured nasal septum last season and spent almost two months wearing a protective mask after that injury. This time, however, Barcelona do not expect the fracture to keep him out for an extended period. Champions League suspension delays Garcia’s return Garcia’s immediate absence will instead come in Europe rather than because of his latest injury. The defender will miss Barcelona’s Champions League opener against Feyenoord at the Spotify Camp Nou after being sent off in the second leg of last season’s quarter-final against Atletico Madrid. That suspension means Garcia will be unavailable for the European fixture regardless of his physical condition, giving him additional time to recover before Barcelona’s trip to face Levante.