FC Barcelona are now guaranteed to start the game against Rayo Vallecano with another absentee. Just when Gavi’s injury seemed to have been the worst possible news that Barcelona could have received due to the international break, even more problems piled up on top of that.
German goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen was another player who returned early from the National camp. Following some back discomfort, the goalkeeper returned to Barcelona to continue further assessment. Initial reports claimed that it would not be a big deal, but the latest confirmation contradicts that.
In his latest press conference ahead of the game against Rayo Vallecano, Xavi has provided confirmation. Talking about Ter Stegen, Xavi has confirmed that the Barcelona captain will indeed be unavailable.
“Ter Stegen will not be able to play tomorrow.”
This comes as clarity after the recent news of Ter Stegen leaving the Ciutat Esportiva even before training began. Naturally, the focus now turns towards his replacement, Inaki Pena. In regards to the Spanish goalkeeper, Xavi had the following words:
“We have all the confidence in Inaki Pena, who is a hundred percent prepared.”
Thus far, Pena has not featured in a single official game for Barcelona this season. Moreover, he has never started a game for the first team in La Liga even in past seasons. As such, a lot of responsibility is now on the shoulders of the 24-year-old.
Unfortunately, Xavi Hernandez has had bad fortunes against Rayo Vallecano. A strong performance will be needed not just from Pena but the rest of the Barcelona team as well if the Catalan giants hope to come away with something more than a draw or loss in a crucial encounter.
While the expectations will be high, Pena has showcased before that he is a capable goalkeeper in his own right.
