Flick awaits Eric Garcia's recovery signals

Eric Garcia is being assessed after a right thigh muscle injury suffered on 17 October; Flick will decide on his availability for the Atlético Madrid match on 8 November based on training sensations.

Eric Garcia suffered a right anterior thigh muscle injury during Barcelona's 5-2 win over Betis on 17 October, forcing him off after scoring. The club initially indicated an absence of three to four weeks.

Garcia has missed four matches since: Champions League against PSG (4-2), the Clásico against Real Madrid (1-2), the La Liga game against Alavés (6-1), and the European fixture against Aston Villa (3-0). Manager Hansi Flick is monitoring his recovery closely and will make a final decision on his inclusion in the squad for the La Liga match against Atlético Madrid at the Metropolitano on 8 November based on how Garcia feels during training. No premature or risky decisions will be taken despite Barcelona's defensive injury crisis.