{"id":4103,"date":"2026-09-17T17:56:53","date_gmt":"2026-09-17T17:56:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportbulletin.top\/?p=4103"},"modified":"2026-09-17T17:56:53","modified_gmt":"2026-09-17T17:56:53","slug":"flick-could-call-up-18-year-old-barcelona-starlet-against-sevilla-in-place-of-injured-star","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportbulletin.top\/?p=4103","title":{"rendered":"Flick could call up 18-year-old Barcelona starlet against Sevilla in place of injured star"},"content":{"rendered":"


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According to Mundo Deportivo<\/a><\/em>, Iker Rodriguez<\/a> is emerging as the most likely candidate to replace Joan Garcia<\/a> if Barcelona decide to rest their first-choice goalkeeper for Saturday\u2019s trip to Sevilla.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Garcia experienced discomfort in his right knee during Wednesday\u2019s match against Racing Santander, with the club confirming earlier today that he has a mild injury<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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However, the positive news is that the issue is not serious<\/a> and there is a possibility that the 25-year-old star could even be available for the weekend La Liga<\/a> game against Sevilla.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Barcelona will make a final decision on his availability after Friday\u2019s training session. Hansi Flick has not yet ruled out including the Spain international in his squad.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Joan Garcia has suffered a minor injury. (Photo by Alex Caparros\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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If Garcia is left out as a precaution, Rodriguez would logically be the leading academy option to complete Flick\u2019s goalkeeping group for the La Liga match at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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He would join the expected starter, Wojciech Szczesny, and Dominik Livakovic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Rodriguez impressing with Bar\u00e7a Atletic<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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The 18-year-old Spain Under-19 international is still eligible for youth football, but he has already established himself as the starting goalkeeper for Bar\u00e7a Atletic.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Rodriguez has started the reserve side\u2019s first two league matches this season, keeping clean sheets against Naxara, in a 5-0 victory, and Logrones B, which ended 0-0.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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He was particularly important in the latter match, producing a crucial close-range save in the final minute to preserve the draw.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Eder Aller had previously been expected to compete with Rodr\u00edguez for the role of third-choice goalkeeper around the first team before Livakovic\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Barcelona rate Iker Rodriguez very highly. (Picture credit: Instagram\/@ikerrodriguez.01)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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However, Aller suffered a minor injury during the Barcelona vs Feyenoord UEFA Youth League match and was substituted at half-time.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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That leaves Rodriguez as the natural academy candidate should Flick need additional cover against Sevilla.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Barcelona already planning Rodriguez\u2019s future<\/h3>\n<\/p>\n
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Rodriguez is regarded by Barcelona\u2019s sporting department as one of the club\u2019s most promising emerging goalkeepers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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His current contract runs until 2027, but the Catalans have already made significant progress towards a renewal. The agreement has not yet been formally signed due to scheduling issues.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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The club moved early to secure his future after receiving interest from several European clubs during the summer.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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