Barcelona star to miss UCL opener, despite positive injury news

La Liga giants Barcelona will be forced to make do without the services of defensive star Eric García for their Champions League opener this week. This comes owing to a suspension carrying over from the 2025/26 campaign. Stopper Eric was for his part at the heart of a bizarre incident during Barca's most recent domestic outing this past weekend. En route to a five-goal drubbing of Valencia, the former Manchester City man was forced off with a head injury caused off ball by teammate Rodri. Eric – who left the pitch with his nose spilling blood – has since quelled fears surrounding his wellbeing, after being spotted in group training at the Ciutat Esportiva on Monday. As alluded to above, though, the World Cup winner will nevertheless be forced to sit out on Wednesday, when Hansi Flick's Blaugrana lock horns with Dutch outfit Feyenoord in the League Phase of the Champions League. As per a report from COPE: 'Eric García trained normally with a mask in the recovery session. He will not play in the Champions League due to suspension. He could be available for the League match against Levante with a mask.' Conor Laird – GSFN