Barcelona Goalkeeper Ter Stegen Returns from Long Layoff

Barcelona coach Hansi Flick has confirmed that goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start against Real Valladolid in La Liga on Saturday, marking his return from a long layoff due to a severe knee injury.

The 33-year-old Germany international ruptured his patella tendon in September and required surgery, keeping him out of action for several months.

“Marc is on the right track, at a good level. He has been training fantastically well for some time,” Flick said, expressing confidence in Ter Stegen’s readiness to play.

Ter Stegen had returned to the squad for Barcelona’s Copa del Rey final win over Real Madrid on April 26 but was an unused substitute.

Ter Stegen’s return will see Wojciech Szczesny, who signed for Barcelona after Ter Stegen’s injury, step aside.

Szczesny is expected to regain his place for Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final second leg against Inter Milan.

Flick was cautious about the fitness of top scorer Robert Lewandowski, who missed the first leg against Inter with a hamstring problem.

With La Liga title within reach, Flick emphasized the importance of winning the remaining games. “La Liga is most important now, it is the best possible recognition for being at the highest level throughout the season,” he said. “That’s why a win is vital, games like these decide the competition.”

Barcelona lead Real Madrid by four points with five games to play, and their next match against Valladolid, who are bottom of the table and set for relegation, will be a crucial test.

The teams will meet again on May 11, in addition to their previous encounters this season, which Barcelona won convincingly

VANGUARD