Barcelona could be forced to rely on exit-linked star for league opener against Mallorca | OneFootball

Barcelona are facing a growing crisis in goal ahead of their La Liga opener against Mallorca, with Inaki Pena currently the only available option for head coach Hansi Flick, according to a report from AS.

The German tactician, who is still trying to impose his ideas on the squad during pre-season, now has to deal with a major setback between the sticks.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen is sidelined with persistent lower back pain, an issue that has prevented him from joining group training sessions since the start of pre-season.

Furthermore, as things stand, Barcelona do not have the financial flexibility to register Joan García or Wojciech Szczesny.

Both remain unregistered due to La Liga’s salary cap rules, which are still preventing the club from completing the necessary paperwork.

Pena’s departure on hold

Initially, Barcelona had plans to move Pena on during this window. He was expected to remain in the city during the Asia tour to expedite his exit. However, Flick has now been forced to reverse that decision.

Inaki Pena is facing a tricky situation at Barcelona. (Photo by Fran Santiago/Getty Images)

With no other option available, Pena has been called up for the friendlies in Japan and Korea, despite not being part of the original plan.

His exit is now on standby, completely dependent on what happens with Ter Stegen in the coming days.

Emergency plans – Kochen to step in

While Pena is the only senior goalkeeper currently available for Flick, there is a last-minute contingency plan.

If things do not improve, Barcelona might be forced to turn to David Kochen, a goalkeeper from the reserve team. He could be drafted in as an emergency option for the pre-season friendlies and possibly for the league opener.

In theory, Flick could take a goalkeeping group to Korea consisting of Pena, Joan Garcia, Szczesny, and potentially Kochen. But for now, only Pena is fully cleared to play in La Liga.