Marc-André ter Stegen’s Injury Return in Doubt as Flick Defines Barcelona Role Ahead of Copa del Rey Debut

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FC Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen is facing uncertainty regarding his return to the pitch after a long-term injury, as head coach Hansi Flick outlined his plans for the goalkeeper position ahead of the team’s Copa del Rey debut.
Ter Stegen, who has been Barcelona’s starting goalkeeper for several years, suffered a serious knee injury last season against Villarreal, which kept him sidelined for more than a year. The German goalkeeper also underwent surgery for a separate back issue ahead of the 2025-26 season, allowing Barcelona to register Joan García as a new signing.
With Ter Stegen now recovered, Flick was asked whether the former No. 1 could return for the Copa del Rey match, especially with García expected to be rested. Flick stated, “Marc is an amazing goalkeeper, and we have 3 of them. We’ll see what happens, my words were clear, Joan is the number 1 goalkeeper, so then we’ll see what happens.”
Flick also confirmed that García would be rested, noting that the starting goalkeeper would be announced on matchday. The coach praised Wojciech Szczesny, stating, “Szczesny had a great season and we won 3 titles with him, as well as doing well this season during the injury of Joan Garcia, and gave us stability. For me, Szczesny is an important player for us, not only on the pitch, but also off it.”
Ter Stegen’s eagerness to remain part of Germany’s plans ahead of the 2026 World Cup may be hindered by a lack of playing time at club level. Flick was direct in his response, stating, “I think that’s his decision, we’ve talked about his situation. I respect Marc because he’s an amazing goalkeeper, he’s an important person for the team as well. But that remains his decision, he’s the one who makes it.”
According to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are open to the possibility of loaning out the goalkeeper if no clear path to minutes emerges, leaving the final decision in Ter Stegen’s hands.

Copa del Rey Objective

Barcelona will visit CD Guadalajara on Tuesday in the round of 32 of the 2025-26 Copa del Rey, with the Blaugrana heavy favorites against the third-division side. Flick referenced last season’s 4-0 win over Barbastro as an example of the focus required to avoid underestimating lower-tier opposition.
After lifting the trophy last season with an epic win over Real Madrid in the final, Flick made it clear that the Copa del Rey is one of Barcelona’s goals this season. “We have to win this match. We’re playing in La Liga, and we’re favorites to win the Copa del Rey. We have to show that. We have the high quality, and we want to show it.”

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