Barcelona Given Major Boost Ahead Of Copa Del Rey final

After spending nearly seven months on the sidelines with a patellar tendon injury, Marc-Andre ter Stegen is closing in on a return to the Barcelona squad. Spanish media outlet Cadena SER states that the German goalkeeper has resumed full training. The Dutchman is medically close to being cleared for selection for one of the most crucial games of the season, the Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Real Madrid.

His potential inclusion in the matchday squad doesn’t just mark the end of a frustrating injury layoff. It could shift the dynamic between the sticks for Barça, where Wojciech Szczęsny has quietly stepped into the spotlight during the German’s absence.

A Veteran’s Long Fight To Reclaim No.1 Spot

Ter Stegen suffered a knee injury during a clash with Villarreal in September. While initial expectations hinted at a shorter absence, his recovery has stretched through the bulk of the 2024-25 campaign. It’s been a long and methodical rehabilitation process, with the German keeper opting to delay surgery until the last moment. This may have cost him the lion’s share of the season.

But with the final looming and Barcelona hunting silverware in a somewhat amazing transitional season under new Manager Hansi Flick, the timing of his return couldn’t be better. Barcelona are competing for every trophy and are the front-row favorite for the La Liga title. They also have a UEFA Champions League semi-final against Inter Milan and the Copa Del Rey final against Madrid.

Ter Stegen’s presence at training over the last couple of weeks has been met with huge optimism within the camp. While it remains uncertain whether he’ll start the final, Flick reportedly considers naming him in the squad for morale and leadership purposes.

Szczęsny’s Rise and the Selection Dilemma

While the 32 has battled behind the scenes, Barcelona fans have witnessed a different story unfold on the pitch. The arrival of Wojciech Szczęsny last summer raised eyebrows initially, but the Polish international has been nothing short of spectacular between the posts. The 35-year-old returned from retirement just months after stepping away. He realized that only a few players ever get to represent a club like Barcelona in their careers, and it was too good an opportunity to pass on.

He has played 24 matches across all competitions for Barcelona, losing only once and keeping a staggering 12 clean sheets. His sharp reflexes, command of the box, and calm demeanor under pressure have drawn praise from fans and pundits alike. In many ways, he’s played a key role in stabilizing what had been a shaky defensive line in Ter Stegen’s absence, considering they had to adapt to Flick’s highline offside trap.

Now, the question arises whether Flick will stick with the in-form Szczęsny for the final or take a risk by handing the gloves back to his long-time No. 1. The latter is highly unlikely and will do injustice to the Polish International. It will not sound right to the Barcelona fans.

Flick’s Ultimate Decision For Barcelona

Flick knows Ter Stegen well from their time with the German national team. The two have mutual respect and understanding, which could explain how Barcelona lines up in the final. The former Bayern Munich manager is no stranger to making bold tactical decisions, but even he will be wary of disrupting a settled setup before such a high-stakes match.

COPE reports that even if Ter Stegen is named in the squad, there’s no guarantee he’ll start. His match fitness remains under scrutiny, and given the importance of the clash against Real Madrid from a silverware standpoint and pride, Flick will be forced to weigh sentiment against sharpness, and rightly so.

Final Thoughts

Even if Ter Stegen doesn’t play a single minute in the Copa del Rey final, his inclusion in the dressing room could be massive. He’s a natural leader, a vocal figure in training, and someone the younger players look up to. His return would signal strength and lift a squad that’s looked emotionally exhausted after a grueling season.

That being said, the 32-year-old has been criticized by the Barcelona fans. They’ve claimed that the German has a habit of choking in big games, costing their club in crucial games. Szczesny is in amazing form now, and the excitement of Ter Stegen’s premature return could only be around the dressing room instead of the Barca universe. The Polish will most likely finish the season as the first-choice goalkeeper regardless of the German’s fitness and will continue to be the first choice beyond this season.