Barcelona star Eric Garcia set to wear protective mask after nasty Rodri collision

Barcelona defender Eric Garcia is set to wear a protective mask in his upcoming matches following a nasty collision with teammate Rodri during Barcelona's 5-0 win against Valencia. The incident occurred in the 28th minute of the match, with Garcia forced off the pitch after Rodri's head made contact with Garcia's face. The defender's absence was brief but significant, as he had just returned from a suspension that ruled him out of Barcelona's Champions League opener against Feyenoord.

Garcia, who had been playing as a right-back before the incident, was visibly uncomfortable after the collision with Rodri and opted to leave the pitch. This is the second nasal injury Garcia has suffered in recent times. In November, during a Champions League match against Club Brugge, Garcia's nose collided with Romeo Vermant's head, resulting in a fractured nasal bone that kept him out of action for nearly two months, requiring a protective mask for that duration.

With Garcia's anticipated return, Barcelona appears to have a straightforward solution at right-back with the arrival of French player Jules Kounde. Kounde is expected to replace Garcia against Feyenoord, giving Hansi Flick, Barcelona's manager, a clear path forward in his plans for the upcoming season.