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<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="match-schedule">{"type":"match-schedule","data":{"competitionId":"34pl8szyvrbwcmfkuocjm3r6t"}}</script><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Ter Stegen set for a return to Barca starting XI</li><li>Recovered from a ruptured knee tendon </li><li>Flick declined commenting on who'll be the first-choice</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Finally! Marc-Andre ter Stegen to play for Barcelona for first time in over seven months as Hansi Flick backtracks on Wojciech Szczesny Champions League guarantee

LaLiga

Barcelona

Real Madrid

<p>Ter Stegen is set to make his long-awaited return for Barcelona, featuring for the first time in over seven months against Real Valladolid this weekend, after recovering from a knee injury. In a surprise twist, head coach Flick has reversed his <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/wojciech-szczesny-marc-andre-ter-stegen-hansi-flick-announces-barcelona-champions-league-goalkeeper/blt45b6777ed34cbf09" target="_self"></a><a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/wojciech-szczesny-marc-andre-ter-stegen-hansi-flick-announces-barcelona-champions-league-goalkeeper/blt45b6777ed34cbf09" target="_blank">earlier stance on Szczesny starting in the Champions League</a>, paving the way for Ter Stegen to reclaim his spot ahead of the crucial semi-final second leg against Inter next week.  </p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Speaking to reporters at a press conference on Friday, Flick said (h/t <a href="https://www.marca.com/futbol/barcelona/2025/05/02/ter-stegen-vuelve-sera-titular-valladolid.html" target="_blank">MARCA</a>): "I think it's also good for the goalkeepers to recover. It's good for Szczesny to rest, and Marc is on a good path, and his performances in training are fantastic. But I'm not thinking about changing anything else for the end of the season... but I could. I don't know. I live in the present and, for now, Marc plays tomorrow." </p>

WHAT HANSI FLICK SAID

<p>Ter Stegen suffered a long-term injury when he <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-gb/lists/worst-case-scenario-marc-andre-ter-stegen-barcelona-ruptured-knee-tendon-requires-surgery/blt8ae5b6c3db6a7a62" target="_blank">ruptured a tendon in his right knee</a> in a La Liga encounter against Villarreal in September 2024. He underwent surgery and was thus ruled out for the majority of the season. In the German's absence, Flick initially entrusted Inaki Pena, before the Catalans convinced Szczesny to come out of retirement. He made his debut in the Spanish Super Cup in January and has since played in 27 games across all competitions, conceding 29 goals and keeping 13 clean sheets. Although one can expect the former Polish international to start in goal at San Siro next week, Flick's latest comments might uplift the spirits of Ter Stegen. The 33-year-old only <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/boost-barcelona-marc-andre-ter-stegen-returns-training-months-out-serious-knee-injury/blt6c6c2516bc7aa633#cs9a833054ecdda4d5" target="_blank">returned to full training in March</a> and was even named in the squad for the Copa del Rey final for the first time since his injury. </p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Before the Blaugrana travel to Milan for the crunch second leg tie against Inter, delicately poised at 3-3, they have domestic matters to take care of. With a four-point lead over rivals Real Madrid, Barca will take on bottom-placed Real Valladolid on Saturday, May 3, with Ter Stegen confirmed to start in goal. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR BARCELONA?

Finally! Marc-Andre ter Stegen to play for Barcelona for first time in over seven months as Hansi Flick backtracks on Wojciech Szczesny Champions League guarantee | Goal.com

Barcelona boss Hansi Flick confirmed that Marc-Andre ter Stegen will start the next game, while also backtracking on his Wojciech Szczesny guarantee.

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