Hansi Flick provides updates on the fitness of Eric Garcia and Joan Garcia
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick has suggested that Eric Garcia is not fit enough to join the Spain squad next week, in their final call-up before the 2026 World Cup. Garcia started Wednesday against Newcastle United in Barcelona’s 7-2 win, but was substituted after 20 minutes.
Before his side face Rayo Vallecano in the first half of the season, Flick has called on his side not to be selfish in their work, saying ‘ego kills success’. This reflection was placed on him again before their second tie of the season.
“Those old words. If we look at the games, the performance has been good. We have talked about Newcastle; this is the best level I want in the team. We become like this when we are active and play with determination. This is when everyone enjoys football. It is important to maintain this level at the end of the season. The aim is that their team is happy to play with them on Wednesday. They liked it,” he told MD.
🚨 Raphinha will stay at FC Barcelona for at least one more year, so he will not listen to offers this summer. His current contract expires in 2028, but its renewal does not mean it will not be released. [@sport] 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/4oYe18KWix
– barcacentre (@barcacentre) March 21, 2026
Eric Garcia’s absence from Spain may be due to a physical condition
The Catalan defender was left out of Luis de la Fuente’s squad for Spain, and Flick was asked about his status ahead of Barcelona’s meeting with Rayo on Sunday.
“He’ll be on the bench, we’ll see. He might not play, but he’ll be on the bench, which is good news,” Flick revealed, before praising the calmness of Xavi Espart, another possible presence.
Asked about his absence from La Roja, Flick suggested it could be due to his fitness struggles.
“Perhaps he is not ready to play because of the exertion. He was playing in an admirable way. He must maintain this level and we will see in the summer. It is the coach’s decision, not mine.”
Joan Garcia is ready to face Rayo Vallecano
It looked like Joan Garcia was going to get injured, after he was out with Newcastle, but it looks like he escaped injury. De la Fuente took the unprecedented step of including four goalkeepers in the Spanish squad, leading to Garcia’s first call-up. Flick confirmed that he was eligible.
“He can play tomorrow, I’m happy for him to be called up to the national team.”
Recommended by Gerard Martin
One of the players who has grown in the absence of Eric and Pau Cubarsi is Gerard Martin, who has been the 19-year-old’s regular partner in recent games. Flick said he is a role model for other players.
“Gerard is a good example of what can be achieved with attitude and effort. Anything is possible. We analyzed him when I arrived because we needed a left back, and I spoke with Deco and Bojan. My staff analyzed all the players of Barca Atletic and the play-off games for promotion. I liked to see him. I think he has improved a lot. What I see from him is good.”
Despite Ronald Araujo’s return to form, Martin looks set to earn a place in the starting XI of late. With Alejandro Balde injured, Joao Cancelo took over at left back. If Balde returns, it will be interesting to see if he is back in the starting lineup, and which player comes out.
