Barcelona receive positive injury update as key defender could return against Atletico Madrid

Barcelona receive positive injury update as key defender could return against Atletico Madrid According to SPORT , Barcelona have received an encouraging update on Eric Garcia, with the defender progressing well in his recovery from a muscle injury sustained against Real Betis on 17 October. The club initially estimated a recovery period of three to four weeks , putting a potential return against Atletico Madrid at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano within reach. However, manager Hansi Flick is unwilling to take any unnecessary risks with the versatile defender. Eric Garcia recovery offers Barcelona hope amid defensive crisis Garcia’s absence has been a significant setback for Barcelona, with the defensive problems becoming particularly apparent in their matches against PSG and Real Madrid. The Catalans lost their first-choice right-back at a time when Jules Kounde was also unavailable, while Andreas Christensen was unable to provide another option. The situation has deteriorated further following Xavi Espart’s injury, which is expected to keep the young defender sidelined for seven weeks. With several options missing from the backline, Garcia’s return would provide Flick with a timely boost. Eric Garcia could return against Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images) Although the manager has primarily used Garcia at right-back this season, his natural position is centre-back, where he established himself at the highest level. His versatility also allows him to operate in defensive midfield if required. Garcia has impressed at right-back with his tactical intelligence and understanding of the game. His combination with Lamine Yamal has been particularly effective, while his positional discipline allows Barcelona to maintain defensive balance when the left-back, whether Joao Cancelo or Alejandro Balde, pushes forward. Barcelona will not rush Eric Garcia back against Atletico Madrid The latest indications surrounding Garcia’s recovery are positive, with the defender progressing according to the expected schedule. However, muscle injuries require careful management, and Barcelona’s medical staff are determined to avoid a premature return. The three-week mark following his injury falls around Barcelona’s meeting with Atletico Madrid. That makes the fixture a potential target, but Garcia’s availability will depend on his condition at that stage. No risks will be taken with Eric. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Barcelona will only consider bringing him back if he has fully recovered. Flick views the defender as an important part of his plans, and protecting him from a recurrence takes precedence over making him available for a particular match. Even if Garcia misses the Atletico fixture, Barcelona expect him to be fully recovered after the international break, which begins in November. Spain unlikely to call up Eric Garcia Meanwhile, Garcia is also expected to miss Spain’s upcoming international fixtures, even if he receives medical clearance in time to face Atletico Madrid. Spain are scheduled to face the Czech Republic in Prague on 12 November before meeting England on 15 November in their final UEFA Nations League group-stage match. The defender was included in Spain’s previous squad and was expected to feature at right-back. However, discomfort in his left knee during the warm-up forced him to return to Barcelona instead. Luis de la Fuente is not expected to take any chances with Garcia’s fitness this time around.