After a long absence, Marc-André ter Stegen is set to make his comeback. Hansi Flick is now spoiled for choice. After all, substitute Wojciech Szczesny has impressed and is staking his claim.
It has been almost seven months since Barcelona’s regular goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a torn patellar tendon in a league match against Villareal. It was bad news for the Catalans, who responded by signing Wojciech Szczesny, who had already retired.
It was a stroke of luck for Blaugrana. After all, the Polish player’s strong performances have helped Barca get within reach of the treble this season. Hansi Flick’s team currently leads La Liga, is in the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, and, as of Tuesday evening, is in the Champions League semifinals for the first time since 2018/19.
DFB keeper has his sights set on the Nations League
But now ter Stegen is set to return. This leaves Flick with a difficult choice in goal for Barcelona. A choice that has the potential for conflict. After all, both goalkeepers have a claim to play. Especially ter Stegen, who wants to compete for a place in the DFB squad for the Nations League Final Four after his long absence: “It’s important to play for Barca and then we’ll see if I can be in the Nations League,” Marca quotes the former Gladbach player as saying.
Szczesny appeared relaxed at the press conference ahead of the Champions League return leg in Dortmund. “I’m here to replace Marc,” he said, explaining his role at the Catalan club and emphasizing that both goalkeepers “want the best for the team.” Accordingly, he is relaxed about Flick’s choice after ter Stegen’s return. “If he is available, the decision is up to the coach,” said the 34-year-old, who will respect his coach’s decision “whatever happens.”
However, the long-time Juventus Turin goalkeeper is not entirely without ambition – at least when it comes to the Champions League: “I want to play in this competition,” he confirmed at the beginning of the week, aware that the competitive situation meant “a special and delicate situation.”
Szczesny with good cards in the Champions League
FC Barcelona’s situation in the Champions League is indeed tricky. After all, ter Stegen is not currently part of his team’s Champions League squad. Only Szczesny and Inaki Pena are officially registered from the professional squad, joined by the three B-list keepers Diego Kochen, Ander Astralaga, and Aron Yaakobishvili. If Flick wanted to field his regular first-choice keeper, Szczesny, who was registered late, would have to be dropped. According to Marca, this is an unlikely scenario.
The ideal scenario for everyone involved would therefore be an early decision in the championship. This would allow ter Stegen to be integrated into the team without too much pressure. With a four-point lead over arch-rivals Real Madrid, there are no signs of premature celebrations on the Mediterranean coast yet – although Barca themselves could change that. After all, the potentially decisive clash with Los Blancos is coming up on May 11.
