Injured Barcelona veteran could be back by end of April after resuming training – report | OneFootball

Barcelona fans were greeted with a big surprise today as Marc-Andre ter Stegen resumed training with the rest of the squad, six months after suffering a serious injury that required surgery.

The German shot-stopper’s recovery has been progressing very well and it was expected that he could rejoin the training sessions in the near future, but he jumped ahead of schedule and restarted working with the group today itself.

Return likely by April end

Now, while Ter Stegen may be back in training, it goes without saying that he will still need time to make his comeback to playing for Barcelona after such a lengthy layoff.

As such, Mundo Deportivo reports that if everything goes as planned, he could be back by the end of April.

There is no set deadline, and Ter Stegen himself prefers to go by feelings rather than fixed dates.

Comeback closer. (Photo by Eric Alonso/Getty Images)

As mentioned earlier, he was expected to train with the team later this week, but he returned ahead of schedule and joined his teammates today.

He took part in passing drills and light exercises before continuing his individual rehabilitation program. Although he is already working as a goalkeeper again, he has not yet rejoined the specialized training sessions with the rest of the club’s shot-stoppers.

Before receiving full clearance, Ter Stegen must continue regaining strength and confidence. Once medically approved, it will be manager Hansi Flick’s decision whether to reinstate him as the starting keeper or keep Wojciech Szczesny between the posts.

There is no rush from any parties at the moment though. Ter Stegen remains patient and supportive, maintaining a strong relationship with Szczesny, who has been making a positive impact at the club, both on and off the pitch.

For Ter Stegen, the hardest part of his recovery is behind him, and soon, Barça fans will see their captain back in goal.