Barcelona Captain Ter Stegen Returns, But Szczesny To Stay First-Choice

‎Barcelona goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, is set to return to action in Saturday’s La Liga match against Real Valladolid, ending a seven-month absence due to knee surgery, according to coach Hansi Flick.

‎The 33-year-old suffered a complete tear of a tendon below his right kneecap in September and underwent surgery shortly afterward.

‎In his absence, Barca turned to Polish keeper Wojciech Szczesny, who came out of retirement in October to sign as a free agent.

‎The return of the captain is a significant boost for Barcelona, who currently top La Liga with 76 points.

‎They are four points clear of last season’s champions, Real Madrid, with five games remaining.

‎Among those matches is a Clasico at home following the game against Valladolid.

‎”He is well, Marc ter Stegen will be back tomorrow,” Flick told reporters on Friday with a big smile. “It will also be good for Szczesny to rest too. Marc is training very well and can play at this level.

‎Asked if Ter Stegen will be in goal for the remaining games, Flick said, “I’m not thinking about changing anything until the end of the season. But it can change; after Valladolid, we will see what happens.”

‎Barca has fewer than 72 hours to recover before Saturday’s match, which looks easily manageable on paper, with bottom-placed Valladolid relegated from La Liga last week.

‎Flick’s side defeated Valladolid 7-0 in August, and now they will face a team that has secured four wins this season and boasts the league’s worst defensive record, having conceded 81 goals in 33 matches.

‎”The attitude should be the same level as Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Inter Milan,” Flick said referring to the thrilling 3-3 semi-final home leg before Tuesday’s return.

‎”It doesn’t matter where (Valladolid) are playing next season; they are right now playing in La Liga, and we respect them. Also, you can lose the title from these matches.”

‎”In the first part of the season, losses against Leganes and Las Palmas (held us back), we suffered, so the team knows how important this match is.”