Barcelona defender leaves training session after picking up a knock – report

Just as Barcelona were preparing for the resumption of the La Liga campaign with a fully-fit squad, they may have been dealt with a fresh injury blow.

As reported by Nacho Jimenez of Mas Que Pelotas, defender Eric Garcia picked up a knock during the training sessions earlier today and opted to leave after feeling some discomfort.

The 21-year-old centre-half had lost his place in the starting XI prior to the FIFA World Cup break this season. Even during the tournament in Qatar, the defender did not play a single minute for Spain.

Given that Jules Kounde returned late to training after his World Cup final run with France and Ronald Araujo is just returning from an injury, Garcia could have been with a shot to start for Barcelona when they take on Espanyol in the Catalan derby tomorrow.

However, following the knock he sustained in training today, it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard is able to recover in time to be available for the match against the Parakeets at Camp Nou on Saturday.

Since returning to Barça last year, Garcia has had a hit-and-miss sort of stint, with the defender failing to perform at the desired level on a consistent basis.

Of the Blaugrana’s 20 matches across all competitions this season, the centre-half has played 13 times, scoring and assisting one goal apiece.

With a busy run of fixtures coming up ahead, Barcelona will be hoping that Garcia’s issue is nothing serious and that the defender could be back in time for tomorrow’s derby against Espanyol.