FC Barcelona have enjoyed a dream 2024–25 season, exceeding the expectations set at the start of the campaign. Now, with the chance to claim another trophy against Real Madrid, coach Hansi Flick has recovered a key player just in time for the Copa del Rey final.
Another edition of El Clásico is set for Saturday, this time with the Copa del Rey title on the line. Barcelona will be looking to continue its strong form across all three competitions. While the returning player may not feature heavily in the final, his comeback is a huge boost for the remainder of the season.
For the final against Real Madrid, star goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has been medically cleared and is available for selection. The German shot-stopper returns to the squad after spending seven months on the sidelines.
Ter Stegen suffered a complete tear of the patellar tendon in his right knee during Matchday 6 of La Liga against Villarreal. After training with the team throughout April, he has now rejoined the squad and is ready for action.
Weeks ago, coach Flick hinted at Ter Stegen’s potential return. Now, the German international has regained fitness just in time for a critical stretch of the season. During Friday’s open training session, Ter Stegen was spotted speaking with Wojciech Szczęsny, who has been the starting goalkeeper during his absence — highlighting the importance of both players, not just on the pitch, but also in the locker room, where Ter Stegen serves as team captain.
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Flick faces decision between Ter Stegen and Szczesny
Barcelona faces a challenging final stretch of the season, competing for titles in the Copa del Rey, UEFA Champions League, and La Liga — with the possibility of winning all three. In this context, Flick must decide whether to continue with Szczęsny or reinsert Ter Stegen into the starting lineup.
Despite traveling with the squad to Seville and being available for the Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid, Ter Stegen is not expected to start. Instead, Szczesny is likely to remain in goal. Although Ter Stegen is regarded as one of the world’s top goalkeepers when fully fit, Barcelona plans to bring him back gradually.
The Polish veteran was signed after Ter Stegen’s injury forced the club to act swiftly in the transfer market — a move that has paid off handsomely. In 25 appearances for the Blaugrana, Szczesny has recorded 21 wins, three draws, and just one defeat, conceding only 24 goals and securing 13 clean sheets.
