Tensions rise as injured Barcelona captain bans access of club doctors at his home

Tensions between Marc-Andre ter Stegen and FC Barcelona have escalated to an alarming level. 

According to a fresh update from SPORT, the German goalkeeper, currently recovering from back surgery, has rejected the club’s request to send medical staff to his home for post-operative assessments.

The relationship between Barcelona and one of their most senior players has become increasingly strained. What began as concerns over Ter Stegen’s recovery process has now snowballed into a full-blown conflict. 

The goalkeeper underwent surgery recently, where the club’s medical team was present, but since returning to Barcelona, communication and coordination have fallen apart.

Denying Barcelona any access

The club had hoped to monitor his progress by having doctors visit him at home. Ter Stegen, however, made his stance very clear that no club medical personnel would be allowed to enter his private space under any circumstances. 

Instead, he has continued his recovery at the Ciutat Esportiva, strictly following the club’s rehabilitation schedule, but only within the official facilities.

Relationship between Ter Stegen and Barcelona is getting worse. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Adding to the discord, Barcelona recently decided to temporarily suspend Ter Stegen’s captaincy, and rumours of potential disciplinary measures have only heightened the tension. 

Furthermore, a planned sit-down between Ter Stegen’s representatives and the sporting department was cancelled, with sources suggesting the club no longer sees value in further talks.

A standoff over registration and salary relief

Barcelona’s problems do not end there. The club had been preparing a medical report to submit to La Liga, aimed at proving Ter Stegen’s expected absence of more than four months. 

This would have allowed them to deregister him temporarily and use 80% of his salary to register new players under financial fair play rules.

But the report needs Ter Stegen’s signature, and he has refused to sign it. This refusal delivers a significant blow to the club’s efforts to solve their registration puzzle before the season begins. 

Without his consent, Barça cannot unlock the necessary financial space, adding yet another layer of frustration for the board.