Barcelona are set to welcome Eric Garcia back for Sunday's La Liga meeting with Atletico Madrid, with the defender progressing well after recovering from a muscle injury.
According to Carlos Monfort , the Spaniard has resumed training with the squad and is increasingly confident after spending several days working with the ball.
As such, barring an unexpected setback, he should be available to Hansi Flick.
On the other hand, the situation is less encouraging for Jules Kounde, who has yet to return to group training.
Andreas Christensen, meanwhile, is expected to resume normal training, giving Barcelona another defensive option ahead of their trip to the Metropolitano.
Garcia has been recovering from the muscle injury he sustained against Real Betis on October 17.
Eric Garcia will be available to face Atletico Madrid. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)
Barcelona initially estimated that he would require three to four weeks to recover , making the Atletico fixture a realistic target for his comeback.
His progress has now reached an important stage, with the defender training alongside his teammates and gradually regaining confidence.
His expected availability is particularly valuable because Flick has been dealing with several defensive absences.
Kounde's situation is considerably less certain, as the French defender has not yet resumed group training, and his chances of travelling to Madrid will depend on whether he can participate in Thursday's session.
If he remains unavailable for collective training, Barcelona could face another selection problem on the right side of their defence.
Kounde is still doubtful for Atletico Madrid clash. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Christensen's return to normal training provides some relief, although Flick will need to assess his condition before deciding whether he is ready to feature against Atletico.
Barcelona's defensive problems have been evident during recent matches, particularly against Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid, when several regular options were unavailable.
Garcia's injury against Betis added to an already difficult situation, with Kounde and Christensen also dealing with fitness problems.
The setback involving young defender Xavi Espart, who is expected to miss approximately seven weeks , has further reduced Flick's options.
Having Garcia available would therefore give the manager greater flexibility when selecting his back four, although it remains to be seen whether the Spaniard will be slotted right into the starting XI.
