Just in: Key Barcelona star out for three weeks after knee injury against Racing Santander

Just in: Key Barcelona star out for three weeks after knee injury against Racing Santander In a major update, Catalunya Radio reports that FC Barcelona goalkeeper Joan Garcia will be ruled out for three weeks after suffering an injury against Racing Santander last night. Medical tests carried out at the club’s training ground on Thursday have confirmed that García has suffered a meniscus injury in his right knee and is expected to be sidelined for around three weeks. No surgery Garcia picked up the injury during the match against Racing and was replaced at half-time by Wojciech Szczesny. The incident occurred towards the end of the first half. He slipped behind his goal while attempting to retrieve the ball on an area of the pitch made wet by the rain that had fallen in Barcelona. Although he did not fall heavily, the goalkeeper immediately felt discomfort in his knee. Hansi Flick opted to take no risks and replaced him at the interval. Out for three weeks. (Photo by Judit Cartiel/Getty Images) After the match, the German coach confirmed that Garcia had suffered a knee problem and initially hoped the goalkeeper would recover in time for Saturday. “We have to wait, but I hope he will be available on Saturday,” he had said. But now, tests have confirmed that Garcia will be out for three weeks. The goalkeeper will therefore miss the upcoming fixture against Sevilla, but should be available to Flick again after the next international break. Barcelona’s medical staff have ruled out the need for surgery. The injured knee is also not the same knee that caused him problems last season. Flick must now decide who will take responsibility in goal against Sevilla. Szczesny or Livakovic? Szczesny will have to step up. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Szczesny was given the nod when Garcia was forced off against Racing on Wednesday, moving ahead of summer signing Dominik Livakovic. However, the Polish goalkeeper made a costly mistake that led to Racing’s second goal, meaning Flick will have another decision to make before Saturday’s match. Despite that, the manager seemed to back the veteran goalkeeper to continue as the preferred option in goal in Garcia’s absence. But Livakovic, who is yet to make his debut for Barcelona, will be eager to impress in training and earn his place.