FC Barcelona

FC Barcelona

It has now been over three months since the goalkeeper underwent back surgery. Initially, Ter Stegen himself had estimated his recovery period to be around three months, setting his own timeline via social media shortly after the operation. However, that timeframe has now expired, and he has still not returned to group training, although he has resumed training on the pitch.

There will be plenty of focus as usual on his selection and particularly whether he decides to call up Lamine Yamal who is still suffering some discomfort caused by pubalgia. Barcelona "would prefer" it if Spain did not call up Yamal this summer as they want him to continue to follow a recovery plan they have put in place, according to El Desmarque.

"Cubarsi had some problems and missed a day of training. And we have Ronald, Eric, Pau... great center-backs who can play," he told reporters.

The name Tommy Marques has started gaining real attention in Barcelona circles lately. The young midfielder has caught the eye after being spotted training with Hansi Flick's first team, just as the club learned about the extent of Pedri's injury. It seems that fate has handed the teenager the perfect chance to make a statement, and he is making the most of it.

Club Brugge will once again be without Bjorn Meijer, Simon Mignolet, Ludovit Reis and Raphael Onyedika, all sidelined through injury. Nordin Jackers is expected to continue in goal, while Christos Tzolis will feature in attack after an impressive campaign that has seen him record eight goals and eight assists in 21 appearances. Nicolo Tresoldi is set to lead the line, having contributed six goals and three assists so far this season.