When do Kounde, Christensen and Eric Garcia return?

FC Barcelona

The defeats against PSG and Real Madrid have exposed the defensive difficulties facing the blaugrana side. Flick has had to deal with both fixtures with numerous absences in defence, a situation that has significantly limited his options when it comes to putting together the starting XI.

The good news is that Kounde, Christensen and Eric Garcia are getting closer and closer to returning to competition. The club is monitoring their respective progress and does not intend to rush any reintroduction, especially after the medical department also received Xavi Espart, who will be out for approximately seven weeks.

35

Kounde
3.760.000€+50.000€-

J10

4

J9

14

J8

-

J7

-

J6

DF

11

The French defender is the one with the best outlook for returning to a squad in the short term. Jules Kounde could be available for the next match against Deportivo Alavés, although he still needs to complete the pre-training sessions satisfactorily.

His recovery would be a boost for Flick, who has had to look for alternatives at right-back due to the accumulation of physical problems. The decision on whether he will play will depend on the player's feelings and the assessment of the medical services.

30

Christensen
1.090.000€-

J10

-

J9

-

J8

5

J7

2

J6

DF

10

In the case of Andreas Christensen, the target date is set for 3 November, the day of the Champions League match against Aston Villa. The Danish centre-back has been away from the pitch for several weeks due to a muscular injury, and his presence in that game is still not guaranteed.

52

Eric García
5.190.000€-

J10

10

J9

9

J8

4

J7

4

J6

DF

01

Eric Garcia's situation also points to optimism. The defender suffered a injury to the front of the right thigh on 17 October against Betis, with an initial recovery period estimated at between three and four weeks.

So far, his progress has been positive and the set timelines are being met. For that reason, the match against the Atlético de Madrid in LaLiga matchday 12 is emerging as a possible date for his return.

However, the coaching staff is clear that they will not force his comeback. Eric Garcia will only return when he is fully recovered, since the priority is to avoid a muscular relapse.

The player had become a key piece for Flick thanks to his versatility. Although his natural position is centre-back, this season he has been regularly used as right-back, where he has shown a good connection with Lamine Yamal. His tactical intelligence also allows him to compensate for the attacking arrivals of players such as Balde or Cancelo from the opposite flank.