Pep Guardiola insists Eric Garcia's recent absences from the Manchester City squad have been purely down to rotation as he offered an update on the defender's transfer status.
Garcia is out of contract in the summer and has told City that he will not sign a new deal. The club declined a summer offer from Barcelona as it was below their valuation, while Barca opted against a January approach knowing Garcia is available for free in six months.
It now looks increasingly likely Garcia will make the free transfer to the Nou Camp in the summer, with Guardiola asserting that 'he's going to play in Barcelona'.
Garcia has made just two appearances since picking up an injury in December - both coming in the FA Cup - and has not been in the matchday squad for the last two Premier League games as players are returning from injury.
And Guardiola insists Garcia's lack of playing time is down to City having too many options now available in defence - and nothing more.
He said: "Eric Garcia is like a son. He was a guy last season that after lockdown was our best central defender. He never made a mistake and played in the quarter-final of the Champions League.
"He's going to play in Barcelona and that is not an average player - he is a top player. He was not selected in the last two games and it broke my heart.
"That is why it is difficult for all the managers when you have a squad. You cannot imagine what it means."
