Barcelona are preparing to have one of their captains back in action, as Marc-André ter Stegen approaches the final phase of his rehabilitation. The goalkeeper has not played since undergoing back surgery during the summer, but his comeback is drawing closer.
According to MD, the German shot-stopper aims to obtain medical approval in time for next weekend’s fixture against Osasuna. He has increased the intensity of his training routine in recent weeks and hopes to be available to Hansi Flick at the Spotify Camp Nou.
Ter Stegen has been Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper for the majority of his career at the club, having arrived from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014. Despite his long-standing role, this season began with an unexpected shift in the hierarchy.
Changing dynamics in goal under Flick
During pre-season, ter Stegen was informed that Joan García would step in as Flick’s preferred starter. That decision is not expected to change even once the experienced goalkeeper is fit again, leaving him facing an uncertain future at the club.
Because his role has diminished, Barcelona are preparing for the possibility of moving him on in the upcoming winter window. His representative is already exploring potential destinations, with several teams showing interest in securing him on loan for the second half of the campaign.
January exit appears increasingly likely
For ter Stegen, regular minutes are essential if he wants to keep hold of the starting spot for Germany ahead of next summer’s World Cup. With Barcelona not planning to reinstate him as their main goalkeeper, a switch in January has become the most realistic scenario.
Although he still dreams of reclaiming the number one position from García, the chances remain slim. The coming weeks will determine whether his situation at the club shifts at all, but ultimately, the decision will rest with the player himself.
