Soon after having Gavi sidelined due to an ACL injury, Barcelona have received another blow, as Marc-Andre ter Stegen now has been ruled out for at least 2-3 months due to a back problem.
The German international picked up the knock during the international break. Initially, it wasn’t thought to be a serious one, but after failing to respond well to conservative treatment, the goalkeeper now requires surgery.
This has led many to believe that Barcelona might consider signing an experienced backup goalkeeper. There are a few exciting opportunities as well, in the form of David de Gea and Sergio Asenjo.
Barcelona unlikely to sign a replacement
However, as ter Stegen braces himself for a spell on the sidelines, Barcelona are unlikely to enter the market for a replacement, reports Mundo Deportivo.
This may hardly come as a surprise to any Barcelona fan, as the club are in dire economic distress and cannot sign too many players in the upcoming January transfer window.
But there are a few core underlying reasons that will help Barcelona avoid the necessity to enter the market for a new goalkeeper.
For one, the Catalans remain confident of ter Stegen’s return before the Champions League Round of 16 clash. In fact, they expect the goalkeeper to return to the pitch in less than two months.
The performances of Inaki Pena
The biggest blessing for Barcelona, however, has come in the form of Inaki Pena’s sensational performances.
The Spaniard has stepped up to the plate in the absence of ter Stegen, notably producing an excellent display against Atletico Madrid in the last game.
Barcelona bosses have full confidence in Pena and are ready to assign him with the responsibility of replacing ter Stegen, until the German returns from injury.
