Key injuries loom over Barcelona and Real Madrid ahead of opening fixtures

The first weekend of La Liga sees several marquee names on the treatment table. Barcelona’s meeting with Getafe is under a cloud as Raphinha and Eric Garcia have yet to prove full fitness after being recalled early from Brazil and Spain camps. Goalkeeper Jon Garcia, sidelined by a knee problem that also kept him out of the national squad, is expected to be close to match‑ready.

Real Madrid’s encounter with Villarreal may be impacted by the absence of Kylian Mbappé, who withdrew from France’s international roster due to a recurring knee complaint. Villarreal, coming off two consecutive victories, will rely on Inigo Peréz’s aggressive pressing system.

Meanwhile, Malaga’s clash with Espanyol could welcome back Javier Puado, who suffered a serious knee injury earlier in the season. Across the league, clubs such as Atletico Madrid, Alaves, and Rey Vallecano are also weighing the physical condition of key players before their respective games.

The restart highlights the tightrope clubs must walk between competitive ambition and player welfare after a demanding international calendar.