Hansi Flick backs Wojciech Szczesny to start for Barcelona at Sevilla after Joan Garcia injury

Goalkeeping changes ahead of Sevilla visit

Barcelona manager Hansi Flick indicated on Friday that 36-year-old goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny is set to start in Saturday's La Liga fixture against Sevilla. Regular first-choice keeper Joan Garcia was ruled out after suffering right knee discomfort following a slip in Wednesday's 7-2 win over Racing de Santander. Garcia sat out Friday's training session at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and will rest for approximately three weeks. The coaching staff opted to travel to the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan with Szczesny, summer recruit Dominik Livakovic, and 18-year-old Barca Atletic goalkeeper Iker Rodriguez.

Tek knows our philosophy. Dominik is adapting to our idea of football. If he is ready to play, that is what we have to analyze. It is always about thinking what is best for the team.

Szczesny prepares for return after midweek error

Szczesny replaced Garcia at halftime against Racing de Santander on Wednesday, conceding a goal after losing possession on an attempted turn inside his penalty box. Despite the mistake, home supporters applauded the Polish veteran, and Flick dismissed concerns about the error during his pre-match press conference. During the previous campaign, Szczesny made 12 appearances and conceded 21 goals without keeping a clean sheet after Garcia suffered an earlier knee injury. That stretch included a 4-1 loss away to Sevilla, though Flick noted that Barcelona is operating at a different level this season. Pau Cubarsi is also set to return to the starting lineup in Seville after resting in midweek, while forward Raphinha leads the attack with 11 goals in seven matches.

When you look at the past, especially in the first season, we won the league with him and he was responsible for it. For me it is important to have goalkeepers of quality and experience.

Spain call-up and international selections

Garcia's three-week recovery period also rules him out of the Spanish national team squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League schedule. Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente chose 28-year-old Inter Milan goalkeeper Josep Martinez to fill the vacancy, joining regulars Unai Simon and David Raya. The decision drew criticism from Andalusian media outlets, which argued that Real Betis goalkeeper Alvaro Valles merited selection based on his domestic performances. Martinez and Valles previously competed for the starting role at UD Las Palmas in the Segunda Division under manager Pepe Mel.

National team schedule and Las Palmas history

During that shared season in the Canary Islands, Martinez recorded 23 appearances while Valles appeared in 21 matches before their career trajectories diverged. Martinez subsequently moved through RB Leipzig and Genoa before completing a transfer to Inter Milan in the summer of 2024 for approximately 14 million euros. Spain opens its four-match Nations League run on 26 September with an away fixture against England, followed by a home match against Croatia on 29 September. The national team then hosts the Czech Republic on 3 October before concluding the international window away to Croatia on 6 October.