Amidst all the controversy surrounding the Copa del Rey final, Barcelona has received some very good news: Marc-André Ter Stegen, current captain of Hansi Flick’s team, returns to the official squad 215 days after suffering a serious injury in LaLiga. The German goalkeeper, leader of the Barça dressing room and captain under Hansi Flick, will be on the bench for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid.
Marc-André Ter Stegen‘s injury came as a blow to FC Barcelona, who had to scramble to find a replacement in Szczesny, who has enjoyed the confidence of Hansi Flick in recent months. There has been good news about the German goalkeeper for weeks, and in training ahead of the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund at Monjuic, Ter Stegen was back with the group.
The captain was injured on September 22 at La Cerámica in Villarreal, suffering a complete rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee. Now, there is talk that the player may not be available this season until May. A month in which Barça could still be fighting for several titles to complete the coveted treble.
With his return to the squad, a debate has opened up for the upcoming matches: Ter Stegen or Szczesny. Flick was asked whether Polish goalkeeper Szczesny will remain in the starting line-up until the end of the season, given that Ter Stegen’s return is now a reality and he has already stated that he wants to play before the end of the season. “In football, many things can change very quickly, anything can happen, so I can’t answer 100%,” Flick said at the outset.
Ter Stegen currently faces an uphill battle to take Szczesny’s place. ‘Tek’ is Hansi Flick’s number one, as the coach made very clear in his press conference, and it will be difficult for him to lose his place unless there is a setback in the form of injury or suspension.
It seems almost impossible that he will start in the Copa del Rey match, given Szczesny’s great performance and his lack of playing time compared to the Barça captain. It also seems difficult in the Champions League, where for one to play, the other will have to come off, and it seems unlikely that Barça will leave Tek out of the squad for a hypothetical final.
Despite this, Ter Stegen is not giving up on getting some playing time before the end of the season. If LaLiga is well on track or even decided, the German goalkeeper could have a chance. Beyond the competitive aspect, it is a morale boost for Barça to have their captain and an important player back.