FC Barcelona are expected to welcome back goalkeeper Joan Garcia when they host Getafe at Camp Nou on Saturday in the eighth round of the La Liga season.
The Catalan side go into the match with an impressive record in attack, while Getafe will be without several players as they travel to face one of Spain’s leading teams.
Barcelona’s goalkeeping plans have been shaped by injuries. Garcia was forced off before the international break but is expected to reclaim his place between the posts. Christensen has again been ruled out, while Eric Garcia, who returned early from international duty, is believed to be fit enough to feature.
Bardghji has suffered cruciate ligament damage and could miss the remainder of the season. Frenkie de Jong, meanwhile, is targeting a return in November.
Raphinha is Barcelona’s main attacking threat after scoring 14 goals and providing three assists in all competitions. The team also have a number of other attacking options, including Lamine Yamal, Fermin Lopez, Adeyemi and Gordon. Xavi Espart and Gabriel Jesus are also continuing to build their form.
Barcelona’s possible XI
Goalkeeper: Joan Garcia
Defenders: Eric Garcia, Cubarsi, Martin, Espart
Midfielders: Rodri, Pedri, Lopez
Forwards: Raphinha, Yamal, Adeyemi
Getafe will be able to call on Mario Martin again after he completed his suspension. Abqar, Kiko Femenia, Uche and Juanmi remain unavailable, however.
The Madrid club made significant changes to their squad during the summer, bringing in a number of reinforcements. Those additions included Gudelj, Mojica, Sazonov, Terrats, Mangala, Enes Unal and Satriano.
The future of Dani Carvajal was also discussed during the week. Reports suggested Getafe had reached an agreement with the defender, who is free following his departure from Real Madrid, but the club’s president denied that any contact had taken place with either the player or his representatives.
Getafe’s possible XI
Goalkeeper: Soria
Defenders: Garcia, Djene Dakonam, Gudelj, Romero, Mojica
Midfielders: Francho, Mangala, Terrats
Forwards: Unal, Azon
The match forms part of the eighth round of the Spanish championship, with Barcelona hosting Getafe on Saturday.
