Injury update: Barcelona superstar to return two weeks earlier than initially expected

Barcelona have been way below the standards they set in defence last season in the current campaign despite having more resources like Joao Cancelo and Inigo Martinez.

Having set defensive records last season, the reigning La Liga champions have been leaking goals even against opposition of lower quality.

The recent absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen through injury might have been a contributing factor, even though Inaki Pena has done a fairly solid job in the German international’s absence.

Ter Stegen out with a back problem

Ter Stegen has been out sidelined since after the international break in November due to a back problem. After having tried to get rid of the issue through conservative treatment, the goalkeeper was forced to undergo surgery.

Following the operation, it was expected that the Barcelona No. 1 would be out for at least two months, with his return pencilled in for some time in February 2024, potentially before the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 clash against Napoli.

Ter Stegen to return earlier than expected

Now though journalist Alex Pintanel (h/t Actualite Barça) is reporting that Ter Stegen’s recovery has been cut short by two weeks.

The 31-year-old Barcelona superstar’s recovery has been progressing very well in recent weeks so much so that he is now expected to return ahead of the initial schedule.

As per the update, there is a possibility that the Barça captain could be back in action by January end or early February.

This development will come as a huge boost for the Blaugrana, as having their first-choice goalkeeper behind the rearguard might help them tighten things up in defence.