Confirmed: Barcelona defensive duo injured ahead of PSG clash; versatile star out for four weeks

Confirmed: Barcelona defensive duo injured ahead of PSG clash; versatile star out for four weeks Just when it seemed nothing could go wrong against Barcelona, the club have been handed a nasty surprising heading into their most difficult match of the season. Indeed, Barça are set to face European champions PSG on Tuesday and ahead of this clash, the club have been dealt with injuries to two defenders. The players in question are Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde, both of who have picked up a knock in the win over Real Betis and have been ruled out for the PSG clash, the club confirmed in an official statement. Eric Garcia to be out for weeks Eric Garcia picked up a knock vs Real Betis. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images) Barcelona have confirmed Garcia’s injury is more serious than Kounde’s. The versatile defender has picked up a muscle injury and could be out for at least four weeks. “First-team player Eric Garcia has suffered a muscle injury to the rectus femoris in his right thigh. His recovery time is estimated at 3 to 4 weeks,” the statement read. This is a massive blow for a Barcelona team already dealing with the absence of Andreas Christensen through injury. The Catalans have found it difficult to find a reliable right-back and a partner for Pau Cubarsi. Garcia, who could do both, has not been ruled out for the PSG and Real Madrid clash but will also not come back until the second half of next month. What about Jules Kounde? Kounde racing against time to be fit for Real Madrid match. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Judging by Barcelona’s description, it appears Kounde’s knock isn’t as serious and the player has only been ruled out for the PSG clash, at least for the time being. “First-team player Jules Kounde has suffered a sprain to his left ankle and will miss the match against PSG. His availability for Sunday’s Clásico against Real Madrid will depend on how his injury progresses,” Barcelona said. Flick will hope Kounde can return in time for the Real Madrid game, failing which the German tactician will have to make some adjustments in defence. Joao Cancelo is likely to operate as a right-back in that case, with Xavi Espart operating on the opposite flank. Gerard Martin and Pau Cubarsi appear to be the only options in central defence, though Frenkie de Jong is now being trained at centre-back as well.