Report: One essential factor that will dictate Barcelona veteran’s future at the club

Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation is currently under scrutiny, especially with the injury of Marc-Andre ter Stegen. 

According to reports from Mundo Deportivo, the club still views him as their long-term solution in goal. However, his future now hinges on how effectively he recovers from his recent injury.

The club plans to conduct a thorough assessment of their goalkeeping options, taking into consideration not just Ter Stegen but also Inaki Pena, Wojciech Szczesny, and Diego Kochen. 

While Ter Stegen has been the preferred choice for many years, it is crucial to evaluate when and how he can return to form after suffering a serious injury.

Barcelona’s plan with the German

The recent injury has indeed disrupted the goalkeeping dynamics at Barcelona. In his absence, Pena stepped in as the first-choice goalkeeper, and the club also secured the services of Wojciech Szczesny to bolster the squad. 

This shake-up demonstrates the urgency with which Barcelona is addressing the situation. Ter Stegen remains a significant asset for the team, as highlighted by his contract extension in August of last year, which keeps him at the club until 2028. 

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is expected to be out for an entire year. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

At 32 years old, he possesses the necessary skills and experience that align perfectly with Barcelona’s playing style, which emphasizes building from the back. 

His familiarity with the club’s philosophy makes him a valuable player, but the key question now is when he will be able to return to full fitness.

Flick and Deco are evaluating

Both Hansi Flick and Deco, who are pivotal in decision-making, will need to closely monitor Ter Stegen’s rehabilitation progress. 

Their assessments will be critical in determining whether he can be relied upon for the upcoming season or even before the current season concludes, should his recovery proceed smoothly. 

Initially, after his operation, the club indicated that he might be sidelined for about seven to eight months. However, other sources suggest that the timeline could be extended to a year. 

This uncertainty puts additional pressure on the coaching staff and management, who may need to make significant decisions regarding their goalkeeping strategy moving forward.