On September 22, Marc-André Ter Stegen suffered a serious knee injury that forced Barcelona to desperately look for a new goalkeeper to compete with Iñaki Peña, with the transfer window already closed. Now, exactly seven months after that fateful episode, he has been medically cleared… and will be part of the team traveling to Seville to face Real Madrid in the Copa del Rey final.

Ter Stegen returns seven months later

Over the past few weeks, Ter Stegen entered the final phase of his recovery and began training with the rest of his teammates at Barcelona’s training ground. "Ter Stegen also trained with the group today. Once he improves, we’ll see what happens. Right now, we have to focus on today and tomorrow,” said Hansi Flick in early April about Ter Stegen’s situation.

However, even though he seemed to be in good shape and there was speculation he could return earlier, Hansi Flick hadn’t been able to include him in any squad list because he hadn’t yet received medical clearance. That day, however, has finally arrived, and Ter Stegen will once again be available for Barcelona’s squad in the Copa del Rey final.

Ter Stegen wants to reclaim his spot in goal

Barring a major and highly unlikely surprise, it will be Szczesny who continues to guard Barcelona’s goal in the match against Real Madrid. That said, even though Barcelona is still fighting for a treble, Ter Stegen has already expressed his desire to reclaim the starting position. “I’m ready to come back, I feel strong and prepared. It’s been a long process, but now I’m in a position to help the team.”

Hansi Flick, however, did not close the door on the debate and left open the possibility that Ter Stegen could take over from Szczesny in this final stretch of the season… just like what happened at Real Madrid last season when Courtois became available again. “Yes, Ter Stegen is ready, prepared to return. We’ll talk about what we should do. We’ll decide by speaking with him when the right time is, but yes, he’s in condition to play again.”