Facundo Garcés

Analysis: Garces injured himself during a training session at Ibaia, with medical tests in recent hours confirming the definitive diagnosis. This new injury now adds to an already complicated year for the defender, who had already been barred from all competitive action, official or friendly, through November due to his suspension tied to the Malaysian passport eligibility scandal, and his recovery timeline will now depend on how the surgery and rehabilitation progress.

Jul 27, 2026

Can't play friendlies

Garces will not be able to play during preseason after all, as the CAS does not distinguish between official and friendly matches, meaning he must wait until November to return to competition, according to El Correo.

Analysis: Garces had originally been given an eight month suspension tied to the Malaysian passport eligibility scandal, with the initial understanding that he could still play in friendlies while barred from official matches. This updated ruling confirms he will be sidelined from all competitive action, official or otherwise, and he is now expected to be available again for the Nov. 8 match against Sevilla.