The Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo has published the most recent details regarding Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury status.
The German goaltender hopes to return at the end of the current season in an effort to follow Thibaut Courtois’ amazing comeback from a terrible injury last year, when he started in the Champions League final and led his team to victory.
However, Barcelona’s situation complicates Ter Stegen’s aims because they now have to decide between him and Wojciech Szczęsny.
The dispute over who should start as goaltender has already become a divisive topic inside the team.
Ter Stegen’s recovery: 175 days out and improving Prior to the Schedule
Ter Stegen sustained a serious knee injury on September 23, 2024, while playing for Barcelona in a La Liga match against Villarreal.
The German goalie’s right patellar tendon was completely ruptured after an unfortunate fall, which initially led medical professionals to declare him out for the season.
He wouldn’t be allowed to return until July 2025, according to their prediction.
After 175 days of treatment, Ter Stegen’s recovery has exceeded expectations.
According to Mundo Deportivo, Ter Stegen intends to return at the conclusion of the current season. If Barcelona advances to the final, he hopes to start and help them win the Champions League.
He sees Courtois as the perfect role model because the Real Madrid goaltender returned from an ACL tear in time for the UCL final, started the game, and helped Madrid defeat Borussia Dortmund to win the title last season.
For the past month, Ter Stegen has resumed his moderate glove training. If his recovery continues at this pace, he might be ready to return to full training in three weeks.
Recovery Timetable:
📌 Full recovery is anticipated by mid-April.
📌 might return for the final La Liga matches in late April or early May to help win the championship.
📌 June 1: Should Barcelona get it to the Champions League final, Ter Stegen hopes to start.
However, even if Ter Stegen recovers completely, his return is not totally dependent on his physical condition. The real issue is Barcelona’s squad registration rules.
Barcelona’s Predicament: Szczęsny or Ter Stegen?
After Ter Stegen’s injury, Barcelona signed Wojciech Szczęsny in the winter transfer window to fill the goalkeeping void.
However, to register Szczęsny, Barcelona had to deregister Ter Stegen from their squad list.
Only after Courtois was injured last season did Real Madrid bring in Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan. After he recovered, Courtois was able to return without any issues because Madrid kept him in the squad.
As a result, Courtois had no issues registering and was prepared to play in the Champions League final.
Barcelona made the mistake of deregistering Ter Stegen instead of signing a temporary substitute, which made his recuperation much more challenging.
Who Has to Start? Barcelona’s Internal Discussion
There is currently disagreement among Barcelona’s administration regarding how to handle the situation. Mundo Deportivo claims that Ter Stegen and Szczęsny are divided on the team.
Ter Stegen’s return is justified by:
He is the team’s real No. 1 and has been Barcelona’s undisputed first-choice keeper for years.
His experience in large competitions, like the Champions League, makes him an excellent candidate for high-pressure games.
His return could enhance the team’s spirit in the closing weeks of the season.
Motives for maintaining Szczęsny as the starter:
Szczęsny has consistently played well since taking over, proving his worth and making important saves.
Deregistering him only to create place for Ter Stegen would be extremely unfair given his successes.
Barcelona is still competing for both La Liga and the Champions League, and stability in goal is crucial.
What Will Barcelona Do?
Put Ter Stegen back in the starting position:
Szczęsny’s season would have to end due to his deregistration as a result.
Despite his impressive accomplishments, Szczęsny’s arbitrary dismissal could have a detrimental effect on team spirit.
Spend the rest of the season playing Szczęsny:
Even if Ter Stegen fully recovers, this would keep him from playing. Barcelona could face criticism if they lose in the UCL final and Szczęsny takes the place of their longtime top player.
Seek a rotational compromise:
It might be essential to figure out how to use both goalkeepers, but La Liga registration rules make this challenging.
The final decision could impact Barcelona’s La Liga and Champions League hopes, as well as the long-term future of both goalkeepers.
Should Barcelona bring Ter Stegen back or continue with Szczęsny till the end?
What they do next could decide their season.
