Barcelona's Garcia Out for Sevilla Trip as Iker Rodriguez Steps Up
FC Barcelona boarded their final training session before Saturday’s La Liga clash with Sevilla with one notable absentee: Joan Garcia.
The first-choice goalkeeper did not appear on the pitch at the Ciutat Esportiva and has been ruled out of the trip to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.
Garcia out, but panic stays in check
Garcia came off at half-time in the win over Racing Santander after feeling discomfort in his right knee. The problem is not thought to be serious, but with the season still in its early stretch and Barcelona flying, the club has decided not to gamble with their No. 1.
That decision adds him to an injury list that already includes Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji. Barring late surprises, those three are expected to be the only absentees for Hansi Flick when his side walks out in Seville.
Iker Rodriguez promoted again
Garcia’s absence has opened the door once more for Iker Rodriguez. Flick has called up the 18-year-old Barça Atletic goalkeeper to work with the senior squad and travel as the third-choice option.
The teenager will sit behind the likely starter Wojciech Szczesny and Dominik Livakovic in the pecking order, but his presence is no token gesture. Rodriguez spent a large chunk of pre-season with the first team under Flick and has earned strong reviews inside the club.
He has started Barça Atletic’s first two league games of the campaign, delivering back-to-back clean sheets against Naxara and Logrones B. Now he trades those modest surroundings for the noise and heat of the Sanchez-Pizjuan, at least from the bench, as extra insurance for Flick in a demanding away fixture.
Hamza Abdelkarim also continued to train with the first team in the build-up, while Belgian winger Jesse Bisiwu was absent. The teenage summer signing is still waiting for his first involvement in a senior matchday squad, and that wait looks set to stretch past this weekend.
Perfect start on the line in Seville
Barcelona travel to Andalusia with a flawless league record and a target on their backs. Six games, six wins, and a torrent of goals that has left opponents reeling. Flick’s side have not just been efficient; they have been ruthless.
Sevilla, though, are no soft touch. Sitting fifth after winning four of their opening six matches, they have the form and the home crowd to turn this into a genuine early-season examination.
Barcelona arrive top of La Liga, unbeaten, and brimming with attacking confidence. They leave their main goalkeeper at home, but not their ambition. With an international break looming, this is one more chance to send a message — and one more test of how far Flick’s new-look side can stretch this perfect run.
