Barcelona had been hoping for a strong start to their European campaign this season, but Hansi Flick has received news that will force him to rethink his plans ahead of the team’s opening Champions League test.
The absence is not related to an injury or a technical decision. Instead, an old suspension continues to affect one of Barcelona’s important defensive options, meaning Flick will have to prepare for the opening match without a player who has become an important option in his position.
Eric Garcia Set to Miss Barcelona’s Clash Against Feyenoord
According to a report cited by Mundo Deportivo, Eric Garcia will miss Barcelona’s opening Champions League match against Feyenoord in the league phase, scheduled for Wednesday, September 9 at Spotify Camp Nou.
The absence is the result of the direct red card Garcia received during the second leg against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League quarter-finals last season. Barcelona won that match 2-1 before eventually being eliminated from the competition on aggregate.
Under UEFA regulations, a player who receives a red card must serve his suspension in the next European match for which he is eligible to play. That rule applies to Garcia at the beginning of Barcelona’s new European campaign.
Eric Garcia will miss the Feyenoord clash because of a suspension carried over from last season, not because of an injury.
The setback comes at an important moment for Hansi Flick, particularly because Garcia has become an important option at right-back. His absence from the Champions League opener therefore represents a significant factor in the coach’s plans.
Flick does have alternatives to replace Garcia, including Jules Kounde and Chadi Riad, but the absence means the Barcelona coach will have to determine the most suitable solution for the Feyenoord clash.
Barcelona previously learned the identity of their eight opponents in the 2026/27 Champions League league phase before the official schedule was announced, with the Catalan side set to begin their European campaign at home against Feyenoord.
Meanwhile, the new Champions League season has also brought a change to the yellow-card suspension system. The first suspension will now come after four yellow cards instead of three, while subsequent suspensions will be triggered after every additional two yellow cards.
For Barcelona, however, the most pressing issue remains Garcia’s absence against Feyenoord, leaving Flick to approach the first European match of the season without one of his key options at right-back.
Barcelona will therefore enter their Champions League opener against Feyenoord with Garcia unavailable, while Flick will now have to decide who will start in his place.