Barcelona long-term absentee makes surprise early return to group training | OneFootball

Following their win in the Catalan derby over Girona on Sunday, FC Barcelona returned to training today, gearing up for this week’s Copa del Rey semi-final second-leg tie against Atletico Madrid.

And the Blaugrana were treated to a surprise return to training during today’s session.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen back in group training

Indeed, as reported by Mundo Deportivo, Marc-Andre ter Stegen was the big surprise in Barcelona’s training session on Monday.

The Barcelona captain suffered a full rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee on September 22, 2024, which required him to undergo surgery.

It was expected that Ter Stegen might not play again this season, but the German international has been working extremely hard on his recovery making faster progress than anticipated.

Set for an early return. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Now, the former Borussia Monchengladbach shot-stopper has taken part in team training under Hansi Flick, which will come as a huge boost for the Blaugrana heading into the final phase of the season.

Only earlier today, reports emerged claiming that the goalkeeper would resume group training after the UEFA Champions League tie against Borussia Dortmund, but he made a surprise early comeback today.

While it might still be a while before Ter Stegen can make his comeback to on-field action with the first team, his return to group training is a huge step in the right direction and will be a welcome boost for the entire team.

Wojciech Szczesny has done a brilliant job since the turn of the year as Barcelona’s main goalkeeper, not losing in any of his 18 appearances.

It will be interesting to see whether Flick continues with him or reinstalls Ter Stegen in goal for the remainder of the season once the latter returns.