Just when it seemed like Barcelona could hopefully make things work, even worse news strikes. The recent ACL injury to Gavi was unfortunate enough, but Barcelona seemed to finally be looking at ways that could help the Catalan giants cope with that loss.
However, it now seems that Barcelona will not be left off the hook that easily. Another one of the injuries that recently took place was that of German goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen during the international break. His case seemed almost insignificant at the beginning, but things seem much more grim now.
As per SPORT, the German goalkeeper is now a serious doubt against Rayo Vallecano. Barcelona travel to Vallecas on the 25th of November to take on their opponents from Madrid but it now seems that they will have to do so without their number one and captain between the sticks.
His back problems have persisted since quite some time now, and they resurfaced during the international break. German coach Julian Nagelsmann ultimately sent the Barça keeper back to Spain to further analyze his back injury.
However, initial reports claimed that his participation against Rayo Vallecano would not be in doubt. Now, the story seems to have turned on its head. With Ter Stegen most probably unavailable against Rayo, Xavi will have to turn his trust towards Inaki Pena instead.
The secondary Barcelona keeper has not had much to do this season, and this will be his first official test if Ter Stegen indeed is unable to make it. However, the German is expected by Barcelona to be back in time for the game against Porto despite the doubts surrounding that possibility.
One of the most consistent regulars within the first team, Ter Stegen is rarely unavailable. In fact, as SPORT reports, this would be his first case of absence due to physical issues since May of 2022. This shows the great asset and servant that the German has consistently been for Barcelona in recent times.
