Szczesny or Livakovic? Barcelona’s Sevilla goalkeeper dilemma

FC Barcelona earned a 7-2 win over Racing de Santander on Wednesday, but the match also brought a setback for Joan Garcia. The goalkeeper was forced off with a knee problem, and Barcelona have confirmed that he is experiencing mild discomfort in his right knee. He will miss at least Saturday’s La Liga trip to Sevilla.

Barcelona have not set a firm timetable for Garcia’s return, saying that his recovery will determine when he is available again. Diario AS has reported that the 24-year-old could be out for around three weeks, although the club has not confirmed that timeframe.

Garcia has been Barcelona’s regular starter since joining from Espanyol last summer, making his absence a notable issue for Hansi Flick ahead of the visit to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan. The immediate question is who will take his place against Sevilla.

Wojciech Szczesny and Dominik Livakovic are the available options. Flick has confirmed Szczesny as his number two, which makes him the likely choice. However, Szczesny conceded after an error against Racing during Wednesday’s win, and he was also in goal when Barcelona lost 4-1 at Sevilla last season.

Those circumstances could leave an opening for Livakovic, the summer signing who is still waiting to make his Barcelona debut. Flick must weigh the experience of Szczesny against the possibility of handing Livakovic his first competitive appearance for the club.

The table below sets out the goalkeeping situation Barcelona face ahead of Sevilla.

With the international break approaching, the expectation is that Garcia could return during that period, provided there are no setbacks, with a view to being fit for the home match against Getafe on October 10. Barcelona have not confirmed that target, so his availability will depend on his recovery and progress in training.