"Garcia had been expected to start at right-back but is suffering from "muscle discomfort" and is a "serious doubt" for the game at St James' Park, according to Mundo Deportivo. The news is a huge blow, particularly as Hansi Flick is already without Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde for the game due to injury."
"If Garcia does miss out then it seems Ronald Araujo will come into the starting XI and play at right-back in place of Eric. Araujo has returned to action since taking a mental health break after being sent off against Chelsea but has only been used fairly sparingly by Flick over recent weeks and months."
"The Uruguayan is expected to line up alongside Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin and Joao Cancelo in defence, with Flick's only other defenders in the squad being youngsters Álvaro Cortés and Xavi Espart."
Barcelona's defensive lineup faces significant challenges ahead of their match at St James' Park. Alejandro Garcia is doubtful due to muscle discomfort and unlikely to start at right-back. This compounds existing injury problems, as Jules Kounde and Alejandro Balde are already unavailable. Manager Hansi Flick will likely deploy Ronald Araujo at right-back in place of Eric Garcia. Araujo recently returned from a mental health break following his Chelsea dismissal but has seen limited action recently. The defensive unit will consist of Araujo, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Joao Cancelo, with only young prospects Álvaro Cortés and Xavi Espart available as backup options.
Read at Barca Blaugranes
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