Ter Stegen Returns To Training After Long Recovery From Serious Knee Injury

Marc-André ter Stegen’s recovery is progressing positively, as the Barcelona goalkeeper has commenced training following a complete rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee.

This update was shared by coach Hansi Flick on Saturday.

The Germany international underwent surgery in September after getting injured during Barca’s 5-1 win at Villarreal in La Liga.

In October, Barca signed former Juventus keeper, Wojciech Szczesny as a free agent after the 34-year-old Pole reversed his decision to retire and came to the Catalan club’s aid after they lost Ter Stegen to a long-term injury.

“It is private information that is discussed with the doctors. He also started training, a first step. He improved a lot. We are happy. Everything is on the right track,” Flick told reporters.

The German manager spoke ahead of Sunday’s La Liga match against Sevilla, who currently sit 12th in the standings with 28 points from 22 matches.

Despite their position in the league, Flick anticipated a challenging match at the Ramon Sanchez-Pizjuan Stadium.

Barca is third in La Liga with 45 points, four fewer than leaders Real Madrid, who host second-placed Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu later on Saturday.

“Every game you start from scratch. The atmosphere in the stadium is very nice. We have to play with our style and that’s what’s important,” Flick said.

Barca are eyeing a third successive victory in La Liga, having also hammered Valencia 5-0 away in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals on Thursday.

“Now we have the whole team playing very well; in the last games, they showed it and created a lot of chances. We have all the players who can play, and tomorrow, we are also going with fresh legs,” Flick added.

Flick was asked if he was going to watch the Madrid derby.

“First, Barca B, then we’ll have dinner, and then I’ll watch it. But we’re focusing on us. The match is interesting because it’s one of the best games in Europe and I want to see it,” he said.

Regarding injuries, he mentioned that midfielders Gavi and Dani Olmo, along with defender Inigo Martinez, were all set to participate.

“We will see. Everyone can play, we’ll see what happens.”