DBasia.news – Barcelona’s main goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, was injured and missed two games against Espanyol and Atletico Madrid.
The news of the absence of Ter Stegen due to injury was confirmed by Ernesto Valverde, Barcelona coach. The ex-goalkeeper of Borussia Monchengladbach was absent due to a problem with his tendon or part of his thigh.
“Ter Stegen has a problem in his tendon and it often happens,” Valverde said, as reported by Marca.
“At one point we think he will be absent for a while and now it will happen. He will not be in the derby and also it will be challenging to play in the Spanish Super Cup,” he explained.
The match against Espanyol in the Barcelona Derby will take place at Cornella-El Prat week 19 LaLiga, Sunday (05/01) 3:00 AM WIB.
While the match against Atletico Madrid is the semifinals of the Spanish Super Cup. The match will take place in King Abdullah Sports City, Saudi Arabia, Friday (10/01) 2:00 AM WIB.
The absence of Ter Stegen became a blessing for Brazilian goalkeeper, Neto. Purchased from Valencia for 26 million euros at the start of this season, Neto has played his debut match in the Champions League against Inter Milan.
The Barcelona Derby match against Espanyol will be his debut in LaLiga with the Blaugrana. Neto, 30, also had the chance to appear against Atletico Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.
Aside from the injury to Ter Stegen, there are no more problems for Valverde in Barcelona’s defense. Clement Lenglet, Gerard Pique, Samuel Umtiti, Sergio Roberto, Jordi Alba and Nelson Semedo are fit and ready to play.