Marc-André ter Stegen’s severe knee injury sustained during FC Barcelona’s encounter against Villarreal on Sunday is a big setback that will likely keep him out of action for seven to eight months. The sporting management of the club is forced to take immediate action to lessen the effects of his absence due to this circumstance.
The topic has already been discussed by Sporting Director Deco and Head Coach Hansi Flick, first during the squad’s practice this morning and again right after the team’s return from Villarreal last night.
Both seem to agree that it would be foolish to depend only on Ander Astralaga and Inaki Pena for the remainder of the season, as reported by Marca. This is especially true given that rising prospect Diego Kochen is also sidelined for a month due to injury.
The goalkeeper’s profile is still unknown even if a replacement is required. The organisation is debating between signing a more seasoned and accomplished goalie or going for a former Barcelona player who is out of contract and acquainted with the squad’s philosophy. Tomorrow, Flick and Deco will get together once more to discuss their alternatives in more detail.
While it is imperative that Barcelona hire a new custodian right now, they may alternatively decide to hold off until
Barcelona’s management will need to strike a compromise as the scenario develops between the squad’s urgent requirements and the team’s long-term goalkeeping department ambition.
