FC Barcelona returned from St James’ Park with a 1–1 draw against Newcastle United in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16. The result leaves the tie completely open ahead of the second leg.
However, the match in England also brought a minor concern for the Barça dressing room. Eric García will undergo medical tests in Barcelona this Wednesday after experiencing muscular discomfort.
According to journalist Javi Miguel, the defender is dealing with a hamstring overload in his right leg.
He did not play against Newcastle
The centre-back did not participate in the match against Newcastle, but the medical staff decided to monitor his condition after detecting discomfort.
As a precaution, the club wants to confirm through medical examinations that the issue is not more serious and that it is simply a muscular overload.
At this stage the situation does not appear severe, but Barcelona wants to avoid taking any risks during a decisive phase of the season.
He could rest against Sevilla
If the initial diagnosis is confirmed, the coaching staff’s plan would be for Eric García to miss Sunday’s match against Sevilla FC in La Liga.
The priority is for the defender to fully recover and be available for the Champions League second leg, where the qualification will be decided.
A draw that keeps everything open
The 1–1 result in Newcastle was a hard-fought outcome for the team coached by Hansi Flick in a very demanding environment.
The English side pressed aggressively for long periods of the match, but Barcelona managed to remain competitive and bring the tie back to the Spotify Camp Nou with everything still to play for.
Now the qualification will be decided in the second leg, where Barcelona hopes to have the entire squad available in their push to reach the next round.
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