Barcelona suffer huge blow as second star undergoes knee surgery

Barcelona have suffered a major blow after it was announced that a second star would be undergoing knee surgery. Earlier this week Gavi was ruled out for five to six months after undergoing surgery on his meniscus, and now Joan Garcia is set for the same treatment.

After an injury to Raphinha was confirmed on Friday, Barcelona suffered further bad news in the shape of goalkeeper Joan Garcia. The 24-year-old goalkeeper injured his knee in training, and initially was set to be ruled out for three weeks. However after further inspection, it has been revealed that Garcia’s injury has affected his meniscus is worse than first thought.

Barcelona announce Joan Garcia surgery

It came as a surprise on Friday afternoon when Barcelona announced that Garcia would be undergoing an arthroscopy. His projected time out is between four and six weeks, double the previous diagnosis. It also makes him a major doubt for El Clasico at the end of October.

𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧

Player Joan García has suffered a tear of the internal meniscus in his left knee.

Tomorrow, he will undergo arthroscopic surgery performed by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau.

The estimated recovery time is between 4 and 6 weeks, depending on his progress. pic.twitter.com/FzkDMuX4IB

— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 26, 2025

Differences with Gavi

The hope is that the operation goes as planned. After Gavi was opened up by the doctors, they discovered ligament damage too, and decided to suture his meniscus. That increased his projected time out from five weeks to five months at a minimum. Provided Garcia’s meniscus is the only part affected, than he is likely to avoid that fate, and stick to the original prognosis in terms of his recovery.

Joan Garcia in doubt for El Clasico

The best-case scenario is that Garcia would be back just in time for El Clasico on the 26th of October, which would represent four weeks out of action. That looks like a risk though, and the likelihood is that he is out into November, and possibly until after the next international break.

Team doctor Ricard Pruna advised Gavi to undergo surgery after discovering a small meniscus fissure in late August. While physio Raúl Martínez advocated for conservative treatment, the midfielder opted for that approach, but the pain persisted. Ultimately, surgery became…

— barcacentre (@barcacentre) September 26, 2025

At a minimum, Garcia will be out of action against Real Sociedad (H), Paris Saint-Germain (H), Sevilla (A), Girona (H) and Olympiakos (H). It seems likely that he will also be absent against Rea Madrid (A), Elche (H) and Club Brugge (A), while he will be on the verge of a return against Celta Vigo (A). Provided there are no setbacks, Hansi Flick will have him fit for their home clash with Athletic Club on the 23rd of November, after which Barcelona travel to Chelsea in the Champions League.