Xavi Espart will replace Eric Garcia in the Barcelona starting lineup when they host Rayo Vallecano at Spotify Camp Nou on Sunday.

Barcelona will aim to head into the international break with another victory when they welcome Eric Garcia to Spotfiy Camp Nou on Sunday afternoon. Hansi Flick has new injury concerns to worry about ahead of his side’s latest fixture.

The German tactician has been sweating over the fitness of Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia after the duo went off with fitness issues in the UEFA Champions League clash with Newcastle United earlier this week. However, while they fit and available to take on Rayo Vallecano, Eric Garcia will not start against Los Franjirrojos.

Andreas Christensen (knee), Jules Kounde (hamstring), Alejandro Balde (hamstring), and Frenkie de Jong (hamstring) remain in the treatment room. Meanwhile, during his pre-match press conference, Flick provided fitness updates on Joan Garcia and Eric Garcia.

The Barcelona head coach said, “He [Joan Garcia] can play tomorrow. I’m happy for him that he’s been called up to the national team. He [Eric Garcia] be on the bench tomorrow, and we’ll see from there if he gets any playing time. He might not play, but he’ll be available.”

“He might not be ready to play [for Spain] because of the heavy workload. He’s been playing fantastically. He needs to keep up that level of play, and we’ll see in the summer. It’s the coach’s decision, not mine.”

Xavi Espart could be in line to replace Eric Garcia this weekend, and Flick praised the academy graduate. The Barcelona boss said, “He exudes confidence. He plays with a calmness that inspires confidence, as if his heart rate were very low. He has talent and great composure. With the right mindset and hard work, he could become a very important addition to our team”

Joan Garcia will retain his spot between the sticks, with Barcelona lining up in a 4-2-3-1 formation in front of him against Rayo Vallecano this weekend. The backline will feature Xavi Espart, Pau Cubarsi, Gerard Martin, and Joao Cancelo.

As for the midfield unit, there is no looking past Pedri and Marc Bernal in the double pivot, with Fermin Lopez reprising the no. 10 role. Finally, Lamine Yamal and Raphinha will be the two wide attackers, with Robert Lewandowski leading the line for the home side against Rayo Vallecano this weekend.

Predicted Barcelona XI: Joan Garcia; Espart, Cubarsi, Martin, Cancelo; Bernal, Pedri; Yamal, Fermin, Raphinha; Lewandowski