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Marc-Andre ter Stegen is making significant progress in his recovery and is close to a return to action for Barcelona after a lengthy injury lay-off.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Ter Stegen suffered a complete rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee during a match against Villarreal on September 22, 2024. He underwent surgery the following day and has been in rehabilitation since then. Initially, there were concerns that he might miss the entire 2024-25 season, but his recovery has been progressing well. The 32-year-old goalkeeper has recently begun individual training on the field at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper and will try to make a comeback in time to get some playing time at the end of this season. In La Liga, for example, Barcelona has 9 matches left.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
During Ter Stegen’s absence, Barcelona brought Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement to serve as their primary goalkeeper. Szczesny has performed as if he had never left, with the team going on a 13-match unbeaten run since he took over as the starter in early January. However, Ter Stegen’s return will provide a significant boost to the squad. The German international has been actively involved with the team despite his injury, even traveling to Jeddah for the Spanish Super Cup and lifting the trophy after Barcelona’s victory against rivals Real Madrid in a 5-2 win.
WHAT NEXT?
Ter Stegen has expressed his desire to return to action before the end of the current season. While an exact return date has not been set, there is speculation that he could make his comeback during Barcelona’s match against Villarreal, scheduled for the weekend of May 17-18. This would coincide with the team’s anticipated return to the Camp Nou stadium. Barcelona will continue to monitor Ter Stegen’s progress closely, with his condition set to be evaluated at the end of March to determine if he can participate in the final stages of the season.
