FC Barcelona return to La Liga action as the international break comes to an end. The Catalan giants have had to suffer during this break and will undoubtedly be glad that they can finally have things within their own hands from now on for at least a couple of months.
Gavi’s injury was the biggest loss of the break, but it was ultimately not the only one. Recent reports suggest that German goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen is now a doubt himself for the Rayo Vallecano clash up ahead for Barcelona.
The German was injured during the international break and was sent back to Barcelona to receive treatment and proper diagnosis. As it stands, it is merely discomfort that is keeping the player from being a guarantee against Rayo.
In his stead, SPORT reports that Inaki Pena will be the one to cover the Barcelona goal in Vallecas. As per the report, there remains faith within FC Barcelona that the Spanish goalkeeper can rise to the occasion.
Xavi reportedly retains full faith in the abilities of the 24-year-old, and his stint at Galatasaray last season was proof that he is more than capable of handling his own. Without Ter Stegen, he remains the secondary choice for FC Barcelona.
However, the Spaniard still has not featured for a single official game for Barcelona this season. Last season, he made appearances as a starter only in the Champions League and the Copa Del Ray. In La Liga, he only appeared as a substitute on a handful of occasions.
This time around, if he does end up starting against Rayo Vallecano, it would be his debut as a starter in La Liga for Barcelona. The pressure may exist as a result of that, but Barça players are expected to rise above it.
Coupled with the fact that Rayo remains Xavi’s bogey team, one that he has never managed to lead Barcelona to victory against as a manager, there is even more pressure. For now, while Ter Stegen is not definitively ruled out, his absence is expected and Pena is to be trusted.
