Marc-André Ter Stegen Set for Barcelona Return after Seven-Month Absence
Goalkeeper Ter Stegen resumes duties following prolonged absence due to injury. - Goalkeeper Ter Stegen returns to the field following a prolonged injury layoff.
Get ready for a comeback! German international goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is all set to take the field for FC Barcelona this upcoming Saturday, ending his seven-month recovery from a knee injury. The announcement was made by Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick during a pre-match press conference ahead of their game against Real Valladolid (9 pm/CET, DAZN).
"Ter Stegen's training has been exceptional. He's been working really hard and it shows," expressed Flick.
The injury that sidelined the German captain occurred during a game against Villarreal CF in September 2022, leading to a patellar tendon tear in his right knee. Ter Stegen went through surgery and an extensive rehabilitation process.
As for Germany's manager, Julian Nagelsmann, the upcoming match is a chance to observe Ter Stegen closely. With the Nations League Final Four tournament scheduled for Munich and Stuttgart in June, Nagelsmann's eye is on the prize. "Ter Stegen has been my number one choice for the 2026 World Cup following Manuel Neuer's retirement," he shared in March.
With Ter Stegen's recovery and return to form, not only is he set to reclaim his spot at Barcelona, but he'll also be a valuable asset for Germany in the upcoming Nations League. However, the specific dates for the tournament weren't available in our research, so it's unclear whether Ter Stegen will play a role during the tournament's early stages.
(Note: Our enrichment indicates that Ter Stegen suffered a severe knee injury - a ruptured patella tendon - in late September 2024 during a La Liga match against Villarreal. He underwent surgery and began training in March 2025. He's set to make his return to the Barcelona starting lineup soon, based on a recovery timeline pointing to a return on or around May 4, 2025.)
Stay tuned to see Ter Stegen back in action this weekend as Barcelona takes on Real Valladolid!
- Marc-André ter Stegen, who has been recovering from a knee injury for seven months, will return to FC Barcelona's starting lineup this upcoming Saturday.
- Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick has confirmed Ter Stegen's comeback, acknowledging his exceptional training and hard work during the rehabilitation process.
- The return of Ter Stegen is significant in both the European-leagues and Laliga, as he is expected to strengthen Barcelona's sports performance, particularly in football.
- Germany's manager, Julian Nagelsmann, has expressed interest in observing Ter Stegen's Form, as the Nations League Final Four tournament is scheduled for Munich and Stuttgart in June, a potential opportunity for Ter Stegen to secure a place in the 2026 World Cup squad.
- Regarding the tournament, specific dates aren't available, so it remains unclear if Ter Stegen will play a role during the early stages due to his recent recovery.
