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Defensive catastrophe: How Eric Garcia and Kounde’s injuries derail Barcelona’s biggest week

Barcelona suffer a defensive crisis as Eric Garcia is out for 3-4 weeks and Jules Kounde misses PSG while remaining a major doubt for El Clasico.

By Parag J Kalita · Everything Barca

Published: Monday, 19 October 2026 at 7:00 AM

Key Things to Know

Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde will both miss Barcelona's UEFA Champions League match against Paris Saint-Germain through injury.
Garcia is expected to miss three to four weeks due to a rectus femoris strain in his right thigh.
Kounde suffered a left ankle sprain, leaving him as a major doubt for Sunday's El Clasico against Real Madrid.

The Story in 60 Seconds

FC Barcelona have suffered major defensive blows ahead of a decisive week, with both Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde ruled out of Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash against Paris Saint-Germain. Garcia is expected to miss three to four weeks due to a right thigh rectus femoris strain, while Kounde has suffered a left ankle sprain.

Kounde also remains a major doubt for Sunday's El Clasico encounter against Real Madrid. The writer notes that manager Hansi Flick faces a defensive crisis, with potential solutions including shifting Joao Cancelo to right-back while utilizing Gerard Martin or Xavi Espart on the left.

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Defensive catastrophe: How Eric Garcia and Kounde’s injuries derail Barcelona’s biggest week

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