Image: Barcelona’s Marc-Andre ter Stegen flying in training ahead of comeback | OneFootball

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is steadily progressing in his recovery process as he aims to return before the end of the season.

It must be noted that the German shot-stopper suffered a serious injury during Barcelona’s La Liga clash against Villarreal on matchday six.

The very next day, he underwent surgery to repair a complete rupture of the patellar tendon in his right knee, a setback that ruled him out for an extended period.

Recently, Barcelona fans received a boost when the club’s official social media accounts shared an image of Ter Stegen making a save during a training session.

This glimpse of his rehabilitation is a positive sign that he is making strides towards a return to action.

Recovery on track

Recovering from a patellar tendon rupture typically takes between six to nine months, but Ter Stegen is determined to return as early as May.

His goal is to play at least some minutes before the season concludes, whether in La Liga or European competition.

Interestingly, his ambition to return quickly mirrors that of Real Madrid’s Thibaut Courtois.

The Belgian goalkeeper suffered an ACL tear and a meniscus injury last season but managed to make a comeback in time for the final matches of the campaign, including the Champions League final.

Ter Stegen will take over

Meanwhile, upon his return, Ter Stegen will face stiff competition for the starting role from Wojciech Szczesny. The Polish goalkeeper has been the preferred choice for Barcelona’s manager this season, ahead of Inaki Pena.

Given his solid performances, the club is already working on securing Szczęsny’s continuity for another year.

Despite his injury, Ter Stegen’s performances before being sidelined showcased his importance to the team. He played seven matches for Barcelona this season, securing six victories and suffering just one defeat, which came against AS Monaco.

His return would undoubtedly provide a significant boost for the squad, as he remains a key figure in Barcelona’s ambitions for both domestic and European success.