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Marc-Andre ter Stegen will return to Barcelona’s starting lineup against Real Valladolid on Saturday. He has been recovering for seven months from a serious knee injury.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Barcelona’s head coach, Hansi Flick, confirmed Ter Stegen would start against Real Valladolid this weekend. Flick said, “Marc is on the right track, with fantastic training sessions. He is at a good level, and I don’t plan to change anything. He will play against Valladolid.” The 33-year-old goalkeeper has been out since September after rupturing the patella tendon in his right knee during a match against Villarreal. This required surgery and months of rehabilitation.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Ter Stegen’s return creates an interesting goalkeeper situation at Barcelona. Wojciech Szczesny, who came out of retirement specifically to cover for the injured German, has performed admirably this season. However, his form has reportedly dipped recently, conceding 11 goals in the last five matches. Barcelona currently sits four points clear of Real Madrid at the top of La Liga with just five games remaining, putting them in a strong position to secure the domestic title. Flick’s squad is also chasing a potential quadruple, having already won the Copa del Rey with a victory over Real Madrid on April 26.
WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?
While Ter Stegen gets the start against bottom-placed Real Valladolid, Flick has not committed to a permanent goalkeeper change for the remainder of the season. Flick said, “I think it’s good for goalkeepers to rotate. It’s good for Szczesny to rest and recover.” The coach suggested Szczesny will likely return for Tuesday’s crucial Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan. That European tie is delicately poised after a 3-3 draw in the first leg at the Camp Nou. Barcelona is also monitoring the fitness of star striker Robert Lewandowski, who missed the Inter match with a hamstring problem, as they balance squad rotation with their pursuit of trophies across multiple competitions.
