Ter Stegen’s Remarkable Recovery Puts Szczęsny’s Position at Risk
Marc-André ter Stegen is on the verge of completing an incredible comeback, defying expectations after a serious knee injury that was initially expected to sideline him for eight to nine months. Now, the German goalkeeper is pushing to return in May—just in time for Barcelona’s most crucial matches of the season.
Faster Than Expected Recovery
According to Catalan outlet “Sport”, Ter Stegen’s rehabilitation has progressed much faster than anticipated.
- Four and a half months post-surgery, he is already back on the pitch training with the ball.
- His return could see him feature in La Liga’s final stretch, the Champions League semi-final second leg, and possibly the final if Barcelona advances.
- Barcelona remains cautious, knowing the final phase of his recovery is the most delicate.
A Tough Decision for Hansi Flick
With Ter Stegen pushing for a return, the goalkeeping hierarchy at Barcelona is now uncertain.
- The club signed Wojciech Szczęsny as a temporary replacement in the winter, and the Polish goalkeeper has performed well.
- However, Ter Stegen has made it clear that he wants his spot back, creating a dilemma for new head coach Hansi Flick.
- Flick must now decide whether to stick with Szczęsny or reinstate Ter Stegen for Barcelona’s most decisive games.
Following Courtois’ Example?
Barcelona may look at Thibaut Courtois’ return for Real Madrid as a blueprint. The Belgian goalkeeper also suffered a long-term injury but is expected to return in time for Madrid’s biggest games.
Ter Stegen’s situation could follow a similar path, with his return adding a new layer of competition within the squad. Szczęsny now knows his place is under threat, making the final weeks of the season even more intriguing.
What Happens Next?
Barcelona’s coaching staff will continue to monitor Ter Stegen’s fitness before making a final decision. If he proves he is match-ready, Szczęsny could find himself back on the bench. However, if there are any doubts, Flick may opt to stick with the Polish shot-stopper for the remainder of the campaign.
Either way, Ter Stegen’s shock return has changed the dynamics at Barcelona—and the battle for the No. 1 spot is now wide open.
