Barcelona lose Joan Garcia for Sevilla trip as Iker Rodriguez steps up

FC Barcelona completed their final workout before Saturday’s La Liga clash with Sevilla at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan with one notable absentee: Joan Garcia.

The first-choice goalkeeper did not appear in the session and has been ruled out of the game, as reported by Mundo Deportivo. Garcia came off at half-time against Racing Santander after feeling discomfort in his right knee. The problem is not regarded as serious, but the club have decided not to gamble with the man who has anchored their perfect start.

His name now joins Frenkie de Jong and Roony Bardghji on Barcelona’s injury list. As things stand, those three are expected to be the only players unavailable for the trip to Seville.

Iker Rodriguez promoted to senior squad

Garcia’s absence opened the door for a familiar young face. Hansi Flick has called up 18-year-old Iker Rodriguez from Barça Atletic to train with the first team and travel as part of the matchday squad.

The youngster will serve as third-choice goalkeeper behind the expected starter Wojciech Szczesny and Dominik Livakovic. For Rodriguez, it is a continuation of a rapid rise. He spent a large chunk of pre-season under Flick’s eye and is highly rated inside the club.

He has backed that up with his early-season form. Rodriguez has started Barça Atletic’s first two league games, keeping clean sheets against Naxara and Logrones B. His presence in Seville gives Flick extra cover between the posts at a ground where Barcelona are rarely allowed a quiet night.

Hamza Abdelkarim also stayed with the first team group in training, underlining his own growing status around the squad. Belgian winger Jesse Bisiwu, however, was not involved. The teenage summer signing is still waiting for a first-team squad call-up, and that wait looks set to stretch beyond this weekend.

Perfect start on the line in Seville

Barcelona travel south with momentum and a target on their backs. Six games, six wins, top of La Liga on their own. Flick’s side have been ruthless in front of goal, repeatedly swarming opponents and turning tight contests into one-sided scorelines.

Sevilla will not roll over. They sit fifth after winning four of their opening six league fixtures and will see the visit of the leaders as a chance to make a statement of their own in front of a demanding home crowd.

For Barcelona, the mission is clear: protect the perfect record, manage without Garcia, and carry this surge of form through one more test before the squad scatters for international duty.