The German international, who turned 33 this week, has been sidelined for over seven months following a severe knee injury but is now ready to make his comeback.

However, Flick's decision means Wojciech Szczesny, the veteran Polish goalkeeper, will take a seat on the bench for this La Liga fixture, though he is expected to regain his place in upcoming matches.

Ter Stegen, a stalwart for Barcelona since joining in 2014, suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee during a La Liga match against Villarreal on 22 September 2024.

The injury required surgery, ruling him out for the majority of the season. Despite returning to the squad for last week's Copa del Rey final, he remained an unused substitute. The German, one of Barcelona's captains, has made 420 appearances for the club, cementing his status as a key figure in their recent history.

In Ter Stegen's absence, Barcelona initially turned to Inaki Pena before signing Szczesny, who had retired just months earlier. The 35-year-old Pole, now in talks to extend his contract for another season, has featured in 27 matches across all competitions this term, conceding 29 goals and keeping 13 clean sheets.

His performances, 13 La Liga games, seven in the Champions League, five in the Copa del Rey, and two in the Spanish Super CupÃ¢”have made him Barcelona's first-choice goalkeeper during Ter Stegen's recovery.

Flick, speaking ahead of the Valladolid match, praised both goalkeepers but confirmed Ter Stegen's return. "Marc is on a great path, and his training performances have been fantastic," Flick said. "It's good for Wojciech to have a rest, but I'm not thinking about making more changes for the end of the season. That said, I could. I don't know yet. I live in the present, and tomorrow, Marc plays."

For now, Barcelona supporters will be eager to see Ter Stegen back in action, but with Szczesny waiting in the wings, the goalkeeping battle at the Camp Nou is far from settled.

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