Eric Garcia has been crucial to Barcelona’s plans this season and has become such an important part of Hansi Flick’s staff that he has racked up 3,230 minutes this season alone.
In recent games, the Spaniard has begun to feel the importance of his physical problems and was even asked to be substituted in the 20th minute against Newcastle United.
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While subsequent tests ruled out an injury, it was clear the defender was fatigued and better rested.
The upcoming international break will help, but Flick has confirmed that the defender will not start against Rayo Vallecano either.
replacement dilemma
According to AS, Flick will make the final decision on who will start on Sunday, with two options in front of him – Ronald Araujo and Xavi Espat. This was still a big question on the head coach’s mind before the game.
Araujo has been used as a right-back by the coach in recent games, the most notable example being after Garcia suffered an injury in the first leg against Newcastle.
Eric will not start against Rayo. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)
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The captain’s defensive ability is strong, but his offensive ability is limited. However, against an opponent with tricky wingers like Rayo Vallecano, it could be valuable.
On the other side was Espat, who was young, dynamic and promising, but still relatively untested and new to the big stage.
He started and performed well against Sevilla and came on again late on against Newcastle United to make his second Champions League appearance.
While he’s still relatively green, he’s a more natural replacement at right back and has shown good composure, decision-making, and even offensive output in his limited time.
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Flick’s decision will largely depend on what he sees in training, with both players having a chance to start.
Needless to say, the choice of head coach will have a huge impact on the team’s attacking dynamics against Rayo Vallecano.
