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With Barcelona set to take on Rayo Vallecano in La Liga on Saturday afternoon, the reigning champions are sweating over the availability of key star Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
Barça have already lost Gavi for the remainder of the season due to an ACL injury. Apart from the young midfielder, Ter Stegen was another player to pick up a fitness issue during the international break.
The 31-year-old goalkeeper returned from Germany duty without playing a game as he was struggling with a back problem.
Ter Stegen not training with the team
Since returning, though, the German international has not trained with the rest of his Barcelona teammates.
Today’s session was understood to be pivotal to determining his availability to face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
But, Ter Stegen was once again spotted doing individual work and not training with the remainder of the group, casting major doubts over his involvement at the Vallecas this weekend.
Ter Stegen issues update on fitness
Ter Stegen dealing with a back issue. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
Ter Stegen has now come out and provided an update on his situation, stating that a call on his availability will be made tomorrow.
The German international was in attendance at the MARCA Football Awards, where he picked up the Zamora Trophy as well as the Alfredo Di Stefano Award for the best player in La Liga for the last season.
And interacting with MARCA soon after, Ter Stegen said: “I have to wait to see how my lower back pain evolves. Let’s see how I am tomorrow and I’ll talk to the doctors to assess.”
On the awards he won, the goalkeeper credited the entire team for his success, saying: “It was hard, but in the end, it was an award that I’m very proud of. I represent my teammates because this individual award is only achieved with the work of the team.”
So, as things stand, a call on Ter Stegen’s availability will be taken tomorrow and if he is not ready, Inaki Pena will be the man to step in.
Source link : https://barcauniversal.com/barcelona-mainstay-issues-update-on-availability-vs-rayo-vallecano-lets-see-how-i-am-tomorrow/
Author : Michel Durant
Publish date : 2023-11-23 13:27:12
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