Madrid, August 5: Espanyol’s preparations for the new La Liga season have suffered a significant setback. Veteran striker Kike Garcia will be sidelined for the early weeks of the season due to a tendon injury that requires surgery.
The 36-year-old forward sustained the injury during a pre-season friendly against English Championship team Middlesbrough. Garcia had to leave the field just 18 minutes into the match, and a substitute was brought on in his place.
Upon the team’s return to Barcelona, medical examinations confirmed tendon damage in Garcia’s right leg. This injury has dealt a major blow to coach Manolo Gonzalez ahead of the new season. Garcia’s surgery is scheduled for Wednesday, as confirmed by Espanyol. However, the club has not provided an official timeline for his recovery. Spanish media reports suggest that the experienced striker could be out for at least two months, which would rule him out of the early stages of the La Liga season.
Garcia was one of Espanyol’s most influential players last season, scoring eight league goals and playing a crucial role. His experience was invaluable during a challenging season, as the Barcelona-based club struggled to maintain its top-flight status.
Espanyol had a tumultuous season, remaining in contention for a European qualification spot for much of the first half, but a streak of 18 matches without a win left the team entangled in relegation battles.
The club will kick off its 2026-27 La Liga season at home against newly promoted Levante on August 16. Garcia’s absence leaves a gap in the attack, prompting the coaching staff to consider alternative options as they prepare for the season’s opening matches while hoping for a swift recovery for the veteran player.