Barcelona have confirmed injury setbacks in their defence

Barcelona have confirmed injury setbacks for Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde, ruling both defenders out of the upcoming Champions League meeting with Paris Saint-Germain.

Garcia has sustained an injury to the rectus femoris muscle in his right thigh, with the club estimating a recovery period of three to four weeks. His absence from Sunday’s El Clasico against Real Madrid on October 25 is therefore virtually certain.

Kounde, meanwhile, has suffered a sprain to his left ankle. Although he will miss the PSG fixture, Barcelona have not ruled him out of the crucial showdown with their domestic rivals, with his availability depending on his recovery.

The Catalan club also provided an update on Gerard Martin, whose medical examinations revealed minor inflammation in his foot. He could still travel to Paris, although medical staff will monitor his condition.

The injuries present Barcelona with fresh defensive selection challenges during a demanding stretch of their season.