Barcelona have called 19-year-old Diego Kochen back from the United States U-20 camp in Chile. He is set to be on the bench on Sunday against Real Sociedad, with Wojciech Szczesny expected to start in goal.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Kochen will not play in the U-20 World Cup following Joan Garcia’s knee injury. Garcia suffered a torn medial meniscus and will undergo arthroscopy. His recovery is estimated around four to six weeks. Hansi Flick values Kochen and wants him as Szczesny’s direct backup while Garcia is out.
According to reports coming out of Spain, Barcelona reached an agreement with the U.S. Soccer to release Kochen and that travel logistics make a Saturday training session unlikely. The plan is for him to arrive in time to join the matchday squad. Eder Aller, 18, is expected to be the third goalkeeper for now.
There is also an impact on Barça Atlètic. The reserve team plays at Sant Andreu on Sunday night, but Juliano Belletti will be without Kochen since the first team face Real Sociedad earlier in the evening at the Lluís Companys.
