The ongoing season for FC Barcelona has shown some undeniable vulnerabilities of the team. This same team that won La Liga quite convincingly last season, has been just as weak in contending for it this time around. One of the primary reasons behind that has been the Barcelona defense.
While La Blaugrana certainly do not have everything in their hands, they could do better in other departments. This fragility in terms of their defensive solidity is worrying, to say the least. However, perhaps a key reason behind these woes is the injury to a very crucial player in the Barcelona box.
Injured on international duty with Germany, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has been unavailable for selection since November of last year. Having undergone back surgery, the German international has since been sidelined to continue his recovery.
Now, however, he has provided quite the positive update about his injury. While speaking at the recent Mundo Deportivo gala, having won the Best Goalkeeper award for his performances, he stated: “I can be ready in two weeks. I have good feelings.”
This comes as great news for Barcelona, who has been making use of Inaki Pena in his absence. While the Spaniard has been more than a good deputy in the absence of Ter Stegen, he still does not exude the same confidence or provide the same communication as his German senior does.
Moreover, as highlighted by MD themselves, he highlighted how he has returned to training as well: “I have already returned to the field to train more specifically in goalkeeping.”
This will come as great news for Xavi and his FC Barcelona team. With Ter Stegen’s return, they would not only recover their best goalkeeper, but also one of their captains and most seasoned veterans. He remains one of the current team’s most decorated players, and that experience is really hard to replace.
Moreover, with the clash against Napoli in the Champions League the primary objective in February, Ter Stegen hopes to be there for it. His UCL experience with Barça is already vast, and with him back, the club’s chances would be given a massive boost. For now, that match remains an objective for the German to reach.
