Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to return as Barcelona's starting goalkeeper against Real Valladolid after recovering from a significant knee injury sustained in August 2024. Manager Hansi Flick confirmed this at a press conference, highlighting that Ter Stegen, who has been training well, will make just his eighth appearance of the season. Flick noted the importance of squad rotation ahead of crucial upcoming matches, particularly the Champions League semi-final. While Szczesny performed admirably in Ter Stegen's absence, the focus remains on Ter Stegenâs immediate return to form against Valladolid.
"He will be back tomorrow," Flick told the media as he confirmed Ter Stegen will return to his starting lineup. The boss did, however, decline to offer any assurances to either Ter Stegen or Szczesny, who has thoroughly impressed in the German's absence, over the final few weeks of the campaign.
"I think it's good for goalkeepers to rotate," he explained. "It's good for Szczesny to rest and recover. Ter Stegen is doing very well in training. He can play now. I'm not thinking about anything beyond that, just the Valladolid game, which is for Ter Stegen.
"We have to do what the medical staff say and see who can play," he acknowledged. "Important days are coming and clearly we should rotate."
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