Ter Stegen Leaves Barcelona Camp During Spanish Super Cup
A physical issue forces Marc-André ter Stegen to leave Barcelona’s camp in Saudi Arabia, prompting last-minute adjustments in goal ahead of the Spanish Super Cup.
Barcelona suffered an unexpected setback on the eve of the Spanish Super Cup. Marc-André ter Stegen has left the team’s training camp in Jeddah and returned to Barcelona to undergo medical tests after experiencing physical discomfort during a training session.
The German goalkeeper was unable to complete practice and left the field before the session ended, raising concerns within the coaching staff. After assessing the situation, the club decided not to take any risks and approved his return to Barcelona to determine the full extent of the issue.
Changes in Barcelona’s Goalkeeping Plans
With Ter Stegen unavailable, Barcelona moved quickly to adjust its squad. Diego Kochen, the club’s reserve-team goalkeeper, was called up and will travel to Saudi Arabia to join the delegation. The young shot-stopper will serve as cover alongside Joan García, who is expected to start, and experienced Polish goalkeeper Wojciech Szczęsny.
Head coach Hansi Flick had already confirmed that Joan García would be the starting goalkeeper for the Spanish Super Cup, a decision that now carries even more significance following Ter Stegen’s departure. The coaching staff remains confident in the team’s defensive structure, although the absence of the German reduces depth in a competition decided by knockout matches.
Uncertainty Surrounding Ter Stegen’s Future
The timing of the injury has fueled speculation about Ter Stegen’s future. In recent weeks, the goalkeeper has been linked with potential moves after making his return in the Copa del Rey following a lengthy recovery process. However, Flick made it clear at the time that his appearance did not guarantee a permanent return to the starting lineup.
Under contract until 2028, the German international now faces a challenging situation. Recurring physical setbacks have limited his continuity and reignited rumors of a possible departure, either on loan or through a transfer, as he looks to regain regular playing time with the World Cup in mind.
Meanwhile, Barcelona shift their full focus to their semifinal clash against Athletic Club. Ter Stegen’s absence forces the team to rely on available alternatives in a tournament where there is little room for error and every detail could prove decisive.
