Joan Garcia will sit out Barcelona’s trip to Sevilla on Matchday 7 of the 2026-27 LaLiga season after a right‑knee meniscus tear. He slipped on wet artificial turf during Wednesday’s 7‑2 win over Racing Santander, prompting Hansi Flick to substitute him at halftime.
Thursday’s scans confirmed the tear but ruled out surgery, so Garcia is expected to miss about three weeks. It isn’t the same knee that needed an operation last season, which eases concerns for the club’s medical team.
Luckily the lay‑off coincides with the international break, so the Sevilla game is his only missed fixture before he should return for Getafe at Camp Nou on October 10.
Garcia had been in fine form. In his five starts this campaign he let in just four goals, made 11 saves and kept three clean sheets – a tally that matches the league’s best.
Confirmed Barcelona lineup vs Sevilla. Will Livaković cement his place after this debut?
With Garcia unavailable, Flick has tapped Dominik Livaković for his Barcelona debut, ahead of veteran Wojciech Szczęsny, who earlier came off the bench against Racing Santander. The move shows Flick’s confidence in Livaković’s readiness.
Joan Garcia receives hopeful update from FC Barcelona after slipping while chasing a ball in La Liga.
Barcelona’s announced starting XI for Sevilla: Livaković; João Cancelo, Pau Cubarsí, Andreas Christensen, Eric García; Pedri, Rodri; Lamine Yamal, Fermín López, Anthony Gordon; Raphinha.
Szczęsny will sit on the bench with Alejandro Balde, Gavi, Gabriel Jesus, Xavi Espart, Karim Adeyemi, Gerard Martín, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, Jules Koundé, Abdelkarim and Iker Rodríguez.