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The German could be given the all-clear in a month, but he could only play in the Champions League at the expense of the Pole.
Without a doubt, the biggest news for Barcelona this Monday was the return of Marc-André ter Stegen. The German goalkeeper completed part of the training session with the rest of the group, following his recovery process, and aims to be available to play within a month: around the end of April. With his return, a new era opens up for Hansi Flick between the sticks.
If all goes according to plan, the Blaugrana captain could be available again for the final stretch of the season. Although he'll lack playing rhythm, depending on how the team performs in the three competitions it remains in, he could get playing time this season. Ahead of them are the final matches of La Liga and a hypothetical Champions League final. Not bad at all. If the Catalans manage to claim the title early, he could be in with the gloves in the final matches of the domestic competition.
Now, problems would arise with the Champions League. If Barça advances past the quarterfinals against Borussia Dortmund, they would face the winner of the tie between Bayern Munich and Inter Milan in the semifinals. The first leg of the tie is scheduled for April 29-30 at Montjuïc Stadium, and the second leg for May 6-7 in Germany or Italy. The final, marked in red on the calendar, will be on May 31.
Although Ter Stegen has received the approval from the technical staff and medical services to play in the Champions League, there is a bureaucratic problem that would make things difficult for him. The German goalkeeper currently does not appear on UEFA's list of players registered for the Champions League. Iñaki Peña and Szczesny are the only two first-team goalkeepers listed, along with Astralaga, Kochen, and Yaakobishvili, who are on List B.
When the German was injured, Barça invoked UEFA Article 31.14 to register 'Tek'. However, according to current regulations, Ter Stegen could participate in the European championship once he receives medical clearance, although he would only be able to do so as a substitute for Szczesny. A decision that would obviously be made later, should the Blaugrana reach the Champions League final.
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Posted Using INLEO