With Marc Andre Ter Stegen out for a long time with his torn patellar tendon, FC Barcelona have made some changes in their goalkeeping position. Inaki Pena has started the last few games for the Blaugranes, but they have also incorporated the Polish keeper Wojciech Szczesny to replace the German shot-stopper.
The former Juventus goalie has already returned from retirement to sign for Barcelona and is currently training with the Blaugranes to get back in shape. He has not played professionally since the end of the UEFA EURO 2024, and would thus need some time to get back to his best shape.
But reports coming from the club indicate that he is already performing at a high level in training, and might not need long to step on the pitch in the Barcelona shirt.
Furthermore, according to Mundo Deportivo, another barrier to him stepping the goal for Hansi Flick has also been surpassed as he has already been registered with La Liga. The goalkeeper has been registered with the number 25 shirt, and will be available to play in the upcoming match against Alaves.
In fact, the report claims that the goalkeeper is already fit to take the field and will be one of the players Hansi Flick names in the squad for the game against Alavés.
Szczesny’s registration has come after La Liga validated the medical report for Ter Stegen, who is expected to remain out of action for around eight months.
FIFA regulations allow clubs to sign a replacement for a player who is out for a long time, albeit only with a player who is not yet employed. Szczesny was one of the best candidates who met this criterion.
Similarly, La Liga regulations allowed Barcelona to use 80% of Ter Stegen’s salary space to register Szczesny, as the German is expected to remain on the sidelines for a significant period of time.