Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen could make his comeback for Spanish champions Barcelona on Tuesday after more than half a year out. Coach Hansi Flick said on Monday he will make a late decision for the Copa del Rey last-32 game at CD Guadalajara.
Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen could make his comeback for Spanish champions Barcelona on Tuesday after more than half a year out.
Coach Hansi Flick said on Monday he will make a late decision for the Copa del Rey last-32 game at CD Guadalajara.
It is certain that first-choice keeper Joan Garcia will be rested. Flick said he would decide between ter Stegen, who has recovered from a back injury, and veteran Wojciech Szczesny.
Ter Stegen last played for Barça on May 18 against Villarreal. The 33-year-old then featured for Germany in the Nations League Final Four before undergoing back surgery in pre-season.
He had already missed a long spell last season due to a torn patellar tendon.
Ter Stegen’s future remains unclear. Garcia is Barcelona's number one and ter Stegen might look for better playing options to force his way back into Germany's World Cup squad. He was a Germany starter before his injury.
"Marc as a goalkeeper is fantastic, also as a person, and we have three excellent goalkeepers, I am happy with that," Flick told a news conference.
"Whether ter Stegen leaves the club in the winter is his decision,"
Flick added: "I respect him a lot, I have spoken to him about it, he is also an asset for the team. He decides, not me."
Category: General Sports
