MADRID, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- FC Barcelona aims to make it seven wins from their first seven La Liga matches of the season when they host struggling Getafe at Montjuic on Wednesday night.
Barcelona showed few ill effects from their UEFA Champions League defeat in Monaco with a 5-1 victory over Villarreal on Sunday. However, Hansi Flick's side suffered a significant setback as goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen sustained a season-ending knee injury after a bad fall late in the first half.
Ter Stegen underwent successful surgery on his torn ligament Monday afternoon. Inaki Pena will step in as his replacement, while the club considers signing an experienced backup goalkeeper.
Flick continues to deal with a lengthy injury list ahead of Wednesday's match, with Fermin Lopez, Andreas Christensen, Ronald Araujo, Dani Olmo, Marc Bernal, Frenkie de Jong, and Gavi all sidelined for various reasons. De Jong and Gavi, however, have resumed training and are close to returning after their extended absences.
The injury situation limits Flick's options for squad rotation during a congested fixture schedule. As a result, Inigo Martinez, Pedri, Robert Lewandowski, and Lamine Yamal are all expected to start again.
Yamal has been outstanding this season, providing a superb assist in Villarreal to help Raphinha score. However, concerns remain about the workload on the young player, who only recently turned 17. Flick will likely hope his team can secure a quick result to give Yamal some well-deserved rest.
Getafe travel to Barcelona still searching for their first win of the season but have been boosted by the return of striker Borja Mayoral from injury. Jose Bordalas' side has struggled offensively, scoring just three goals so far, but they remain defensively solid, conceding only five goals in six games.
Wednesday's other La Liga match sees Girona looking to bounce back after their 2-0 defeat to Valencia over the weekend. The loss highlighted the additional strain of competing in the Champions League.
Coach Michel Sanchez will be hoping for a response at home against Rayo Vallecano, who impressed in their match against Atletico Madrid on Sunday. Rayo's pressing style caused Girona to make key defensive errors in their loss to Valencia. ■
