"Marc-Andre ter Stegen's return to the Barcelona starting XI in the Copa del Rey tie against Guadalajara, seven months after undergoing surgery for back problems, came as a major surprise not only to onlookers but also to many within the club. While everything indicated that Wojciech Szczesny would be starting in the cup tie, Hansi Flick made a late change to put the 33-year-old German international into the team."
"Indeed, according to Catalunya Radio (h/t SPORT), the German Football Association (DFB), led by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, contacted Flick to request that Ter Stegen be given minutes in order to assess his condition after injury. With Manuel Neuer having retired from international duty, the Barça goalkeeper is the leading candidate to become Germany's first-choice keeper for the next World Cup. Still, his recent physical issues have sparked debate in Germany, with some even calling for Neuer's return."
"Nagelsmann has repeatedly stated that Ter Stegen is his No. 1, but has also made clear that his status will depend on the minutes he accumulates between now and the World Cup, whether at Barça or potentially at another club. In his first appearance of the season on Tuesday against Guadalajara, Ter Stegen was not heavily tested, but he did make a couple of solid saves and kept a clean sheet."
Marc-Andre ter Stegen returned to Barcelona's starting XI in a Copa del Rey tie seven months after back surgery, surprising many at the club. Hansi Flick made a late selection change, replacing Wojciech Szczesny, after reports that Szczesny discussed giving Ter Stegen a start. The German Football Association, led by Julian Nagelsmann, requested minutes so Germany could assess Ter Stegen's fitness ahead of World Cup selection. With Manuel Neuer retired, Ter Stegen is the leading candidate for Germany's number one but his recent physical issues have raised debate. Ter Stegen kept a clean sheet with a few saves, yet Joan Garcia remains Barcelona's first-choice goalkeeper and Ter Stegen may have limited minutes or consider a January loan.
Read at Barca Universal
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