Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde forced off injured for Barcelona against Valencia

Barcelona’s defensive injury problems continued on Saturday with Eric Garcia and Jules Kounde forced off injured against Valencia.

The first substitution came as something of a surprise as Garcia did not look to be injured but went off minutes before half-time and was replaced by Marcos Alonso.

Xavi did have Gerard Pique available but opted to go with Alonso at center-back alongside Jules Kounde instead.

Garcia went straight to the bench and was seen in discussions with the medical staff. Barcelona later confirmed he has suffered a groin injury.

It’s not clear yet how serious the problem is but Garcia will naturally be concerned to pick up a problem this close to the World Cup which starts next month in Qatar.

Barca then saw Kounde depart in the second half with what looked like a hamstring problem which meant that Pique did finally arrive, rather hastily, and without time to warm up.

The duo join Ronald Araujo and Andreas Christensen on the sidelines which is a real blow to Xavi, although the Dane is thought to be close to a return to fitness.