Overview

• Joan García remains sidelined following recent knee surgery, with some reports pointing to a possible return around October 26 for El Clásico subject to regaining full fitness.
• Wojciech Szczesny is starting in goal during García’s absence but says the younger keeper is the undisputed first choice now and for the future.
• Szczesny told Polish media he does not expect to feature in El Clásico and wished García a speedy return to reclaim the starting spot.
• He praised García’s potential after first noticing him at Espanyol and training together at Barça, saying the 24-year-old could become the best goalkeeper in the world.
• Szczesny renewed for one more year accepting a backup role, describing his priority as helping integrate and guide García in his debut season as Barça’s No. 1.