Barcelona Handed Injury Concern as Eric Garcia Leaves Spain Camp Early

Barcelona have been handed an injury concern after Eric Garcia was given permission to leave Spain’s training camp early due to a problem with his left knee.

The decision was confirmed by the Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF), which also provided an update on the defender’s condition. Garcia was released from Luis de la Fuente’s squad as a precautionary measure designed to prevent the injury from becoming more serious.

The 25-year-old’s withdrawal came shortly before Spain’s UEFA Nations League group-stage meeting with England at Wembley Stadium. Less than an hour before kick-off, Garcia was unexpectedly removed from the squad after experiencing discomfort during the team’s pre-match preparations.

The warning signs emerged during the routine warm-up, when the former Manchester City defender suddenly complained of significant pain and discomfort in his left knee. Spain’s medical staff immediately intervened and carried out an initial assessment before conducting further examinations.

Following a comprehensive medical evaluation, the Spanish medical team determined that Garcia’s condition required additional treatment and a reduction in his workload. Given the packed schedule ahead, the federation opted against taking any unnecessary risks with the Barcelona centre-back.

The RFEF subsequently announced that Atletico Madrid defender Robin Le Normand had been called up to replace Garcia in the national squad.

“Robin Le Normand, an Atletico Madrid player, has been called up to replace Eric Garcia at the national team’s training camp, where Spain are competing in the UEFA Nations League group stage,” the RFEF said in an official statement.

The federation stressed that Garcia’s physical well-being remains the priority, particularly with a demanding run of domestic and international fixtures approaching in the coming weeks.

“The FC Barcelona centre-back felt discomfort in his left knee. After undergoing medical examinations, it was decided that he would be released from the squad to avoid greater risks and protect the player’s health,” the statement added.

Garcia will now return to Barcelona’s training base in Catalonia, where he is expected to come under the close supervision of the club’s medical staff. Further examinations will be conducted to determine the extent of the problem and establish an appropriate recovery plan.

Barcelona will be hoping that the issue is not serious, as Garcia remains an important option for the squad across domestic and European competition. With the club’s schedule set to intensify once the international break ends, any prolonged absence would represent an unwanted setback for Hansi Flick’s side.