Joan Garcia's return from injury can't come soon enough for Barcelona

"The keeper, who was in sensational form before he picked up his injury, is believed to be on the verge of a return, and the fortnight where no club games are taking place gives the 24-year-old another opportune window to put in the work to make sure he's as good as new when Barca take on Athletic Club a week on Saturday."

"Whilst Wojciech Szczesny has been a relatively able deputy in Garcia's absence, he's clearly not at the latter's level and, arguably, can transfer his nervousness to the back four at times. Garcia is so commanding in his area, composed on the ball and with superior distribution, that his confidence can immediately settle the defence. That's a priceless commodity to possess as a goalkeeper, and why he's already become so important to his team-mates and Hansi Flick."

"Before his absence, he had played seven matches, conceding just five goals and keeping three clean sheets, and since then, Barca have conceded 17 goals in nine games in all competitions, with no clean sheets. There couldn't be a more stark example of exactly why getting Garcia back as soon as possible is imperative. After the date with Athletic, the Blaugranes face Chelsea and Atletico Madrid in two of their next three matches,"

International breaks halt club momentum and often leave teams disrupted by player injuries. Barcelona benefit from the timing of the current break because Joan Garcia can continue his recovery and prepare for a return. Garcia displayed sensational form before his injury, offering commanding area control, composure on the ball and superior distribution. Wojciech Szczesny has deputised but has not matched Garcia's calming influence on the defence. Barcelona conceded just five goals in seven games with Garcia, then 17 in nine without him and no clean sheets. Upcoming matches against Athletic, Chelsea and Atletico make his return especially important.

Read at Barca Blaugranes