Hansi Flick expressed confidence in both Dominik Livakovic and Wojciech Szczesny as capable replacements following Joan Garcia’s knee injury, which has sidelined the Barcelona goalkeeper.
Szczesny took over for Garcia during halftime in the recent 7-2 victory against Racing Santander in LaLiga after Garcia reported discomfort in his right knee.
As a result, Garcia has been omitted from Luis de la Fuente’s squad for Spain’s upcoming Nations League matches against England, Croatia (both home and away), and Czechia.
Garcia will miss the match against Sevilla on Saturday and will use the lengthy international break to recuperate, aiming to return for a demanding October schedule that includes a Champions League match against defending champions Paris Saint-Germain and the first Clasico of the season against Real Madrid.
In the interim, Flick must decide between Livakovic, who joined from Dinamo Zagreb in August, and Szczesny, who previously played 30 matches for Barcelona in the 2024-25 season but made a critical mistake leading to Racing’s second goal on Wednesday, where he was dispossessed in his goal area.
“We consulted with him and the medical staff regarding his discomfort. It’s not serious, but he requires rest,” said Flick about Garcia.
“It’s vital to have quality in this position. Dominik Livakovic is a very skilled goalkeeper.”
“As for Tek [Szczesny], we won the league with him, and he played a pivotal role in that. He is a fantastic goalkeeper for us.”
When asked who would start against Sevilla, he replied, “As you know, I never reveal decisions the day before. You’ll have to be patient.”
❝ Joan Garcia’s issue isn’t serious, but he needs to rest, so he’s unavailable for this match. ❞
Hansi Flick, prior to #SevillaBarça pic.twitter.com/rVHHPo9xOv
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 18, 2026
Barcelona has maintained a perfect record in LaLiga after six matches, largely due to their impressive offensive displays.
With 28 goals scored so far, this is their highest tally at this point in a season, trailing only behind Sevilla’s record of 32 set in 1940-41.
However, Sevilla poses a strong challenge, having accumulated 13 points from their first six LaLiga games (four wins, one draw, one loss), placing them fifth following a 1-0 victory over Deportivo de La Coruna. This marks their best start since the 2017-18 season, when they finished seventh with the same point total.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Sevilla – Lucien Agoume
Sevilla has initiated the most offensive plays in LaLiga this season (221).
Agoume has contributed significantly by regaining possession 37 times, matched only by Real Sociedad’s Sergio Gomez in that aspect this season.
Barcelona – Raphinha
Raphinha has scored more goals against Sevilla than any other team (six) and has had a hand in at least one goal in five of six meetings with them in LaLiga (six goals, two assists), including a hat trick in their last encounter in February.
He has been directly involved in 12 goals this season in LaLiga (nine goals, three assists), and alongside teammate Lamine Yamal, who has seven goals and two assists, they form the most prolific pair in Europe’s top five leagues this campaign.
MATCH PREDICTION – BARCELONA WIN
Sevilla triumphed over Barcelona 4-1 in their last home encounter in LaLiga back in October 2025, having previously gone without a win against them for nine matches (three draws, six losses).
They haven’t achieved back-to-back home victories against Barcelona in LaLiga since 2007 under Juande Ramos (two wins).
Excluding that loss, Barcelona has won eight of their past nine league matchups with Sevilla and has consistently scored in away games at Estadio Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in this competition.
Given their dominating performances to date, it’s no surprise that the Opta supercomputer heavily favors Hansi Flick’s squad.
Barcelona has scored four or more goals in their last three away games in LaLiga; the last time they achieved this in four consecutive matches was in November 2012 under Tito Vilanova.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Sevilla – 10.4%
Barcelona – 73.9%
Draw – 15.7%
Fan Take: This news is crucial for soccer enthusiasts as it underscores Barcelona’s current lineup dynamics amid injuries and their pursuit of LaLiga glory. Additionally, it highlights the competitive nature of the league, setting the stage for exciting matches as teams navigate through injuries and tactical shifts.
Source: www.soccernews.com
