Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has shared his hopes of returning to fitness before the season concludes, marking his first public remarks since sustaining a serious knee injury.
The German goalkeeper has been out of action since September, when he suffered a ruptured patella tendon during Barcelona’s 5-1 victory over Villarreal. Ter Stegen was stretchered off the pitch and underwent surgery, leading many to believe he would miss the rest of the season.
Barcelona’s concerns over Ter Stegen’s extended absence prompted them to bring veteran goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny out of retirement. After initially serving as a backup to academy graduate Inaki Pena, the 34-year-old has now been promoted to the club’s number one by manager Hansi Flick.
Despite Szczesny’s presence, Barcelona could still benefit from Ter Stegen’s return, which may come sooner than anticipated. When questioned by journalists at the club’s Sports Tomorrow Congress this week about the possibility of playing again this season, Ter Stegen responded, “We’ll see. I’m working on it.”
In February, Flick provided an update on Ter Stegen’s recovery, stating, “He started training on the grass with the goalkeeping coach. It’s the first step. We’re happy; he’s recovered a lot and is on the right track.”
Even if Ter Stegen regains full fitness, Barcelona are already planning for a future without the 32-year-old. Espanyol’s rising star Joan Garcia is among the club’s top long-term targets for the goalkeeper position.
However, Barcelona face competition for Garcia, with Arsenal and Manchester United also reportedly interested in the 23-year-old.
Garcia made a name for himself last season by recording the best save percentage in the Spanish second division, helping Espanyol secure promotion. He has continued to impress in his debut top-flight campaign, with only Getafe’s David Soria boasting a better record in La Liga when comparing actual goals conceded to expected goals.
