Marc André Ter Stegen is finally back in Barcelona’s matchday squad after seven months out, and his return comes just in time for their Champions League meeting with Eintracht Frankfurt. SoftFootball had earlier highlighted Barça’s preparations for this fixture, noting the intensity expected at Camp Nou.
Ter Stegen’s return also connects to Barcelona’s wider season narrative, including recent strong performances such as their convincing win over Real Betis, which SoftFootball reported. His comeback now forms another chapter in what has been a turbulent year for the German goalkeeper.
Ter Stegen had been sidelined since undergoing back surgery in July 2025, and Hansi Flick confirmed in his press conference that the keeper was medically cleared and ready to rejoin the squad. Flick’s squad list for their Champions League match tonight, which was shared on the club’s official X account, later made it official.
Check the post below:
His return has naturally sparked conversations about the goalkeeping hierarchy, especially after SoftFootball previously covered Flick’s decision to keep Joan García as Barcelona’s number one. The clarity of Flick’s stance has shaped all discussions around Ter Stegen’s role going forward.
This return also carries some emotional weight given Ter Stegen’s captaincy situation over the summer. The club stripped him of the armband after a disagreement over signing medical documents, a standoff that briefly created tension inside the dressing room.
Once he signed the required papers, the case was closed and his captaincy was restored, though his influence on the pitch has naturally reduced because he is no longer the first-choice keeper.
Flick has been especially firm in public, repeating that Joan García is his starter. Reports around the club indicate Ter Stegen has been told privately that he is now third in line, behind García and Wojciech Szczęsny. For someone who has been a central figure at Barcelona for years, this is a significant change.
Germany’s head coach Julian Nagelsmann has previously spoken about Ter Stegen’s recovery, saying that everyone is pleased he is close to full fitness. But Nagelsmann also made it clear that match rhythm matters, which puts pressure on the keeper to seek minutes elsewhere.
With interest from several European clubs, January may become the turning point. For now, Ter Stegen is back in the squad, but the question of whether he will stay much longer remains wide open.
