La Liga: Espanyol's Kike Garcia ruled out of opening round due to tendon injury
Madrid, Aug 5
Espanyol's preparations for the new La Liga season have suffered a major setback after veteran striker Kike Garcia was ruled out for the opening weeks of the campaign with a tendon injury that will require surgery.
The 36-year-old forward sustained the injury during Espanyol's preseason friendly against English Championship side Middlesbrough on Saturday. Garcia, who previously played for the English club, was forced off after just 18 minutes following an awkward challenge and immediately received treatment before being substituted.
Subsequent medical examinations carried out after the squad returned to Barcelona confirmed tendon damage in his right leg, dealing a significant blow to coach Manolo Gonzalez ahead of the new season.
Espanyol confirmed that Garcia is scheduled to undergo surgery on Wednesday. While the club has not provided an official timeline for his recovery, reports in the Spanish media indicate that the experienced striker is expected to be sidelined for at least two months, ruling him out of the opening phase of the La Liga campaign, reports Xinhua.
Garcia was one of Espanyol's most influential players last season, scoring eight league goals and providing a valuable focal point in attack with his physical presence and aerial ability. His experience proved crucial during a difficult campaign in which the Barcelona-based club battled to retain its top-flight status.
Espanyol endured a dramatic season after spending much of the first half in contention for a European qualification spot before an alarming 18-match winless run dragged the team into the relegation battle.
Espanyol will begin their 2026-27 La Liga campaign at home against newly promoted Levante on August 16. Garcia's absence leaves the club short of experience in attack, forcing the coaching staff to look at alternative options as they prepare for the opening fixtures of the season while hoping for the veteran's swift recovery after surgery.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Sad news for Espanyol fans. Garcia's experience was crucial last season - his 8 goals kept them afloat. But let's be honest, at 36, coming back from tendon surgery is going to be really tough. Maybe this is a blessing in disguise for the younger players to step up and prove themselves. Change is the only constant in football.
Espanyol's transfer strategy is baffling. They knew Garcia was 36 and injury-prone, yet they didn't sign proper cover in the summer window. Now they're panicking before the Levante match. This is classic mismanagement from the board. The relegation battle last season was a warning sign they chose to ignore. 🤔
As someone who's followed La Liga for years, I feel for Garcia. He gave everything for Middlesbrough in the Championship and now this at Espanyol. Two months out is tough, but he'll come back stronger - the man's a warrior. Thoughts with him and the Espanyol fans. Get well soon, Kike! 💪
This is terrible timing with the season opener just 11 days away. Espanyol were already walking a tightrope after that horrific winless streak, and now their most experienced attacker is out. Coach Manolo Gonzalez will have to get creative - maybe give some of the academy lads a chance. Sometimes injuries force you to discover new talent!
Espanyol need to act fast in the transfer market. Waiting for a 36-year-old to recover from surgery is not a plan. They have a good young core, but they need a proven goalscorer if they want to
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