FC Barcelona were dealt a fresh blow on Tuesday when it emerged that captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen had suffered an injury during training.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper had only recently returned from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, but suffered a fresh setback.
Ter Stegen was unable to complete Tuesday’s session in Jeddah and, after consulting the medical staff, the club decided that the most prudent course of action was for him to return immediately to Barcelona to undergo tests.
Diego Kochen joins squad as a replacement
Barcelona also confirmed that Diego Kochen would be flying to Jeddah to join the squad as the replacement for the injured Ter Stegen.
Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Kochen has already arrived at Barcelona’s team hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He was welcomed by Hansi Flick himself and joined the squad for lunch.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, Barcelona player
Back in Barcelona. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
The Barça Atletic goalkeeper will fill the vacancy left by Ter Stegen, who is back in Catalonia to undergo medical tests.
Kochen served as the Barça first-team’s third-choice goalkeeper for most of the season when Ter Stegen was sidelined.
The young shot-stopper will once again essay the duties, acting as cover for Joan Garcia, who will be the starter between the sticks for Barça tonight, and Wojciech Szczesny, who acts as the No. 2.
As for Ter Stegen, the German international is understood to be dealing with discomfort in his knee, which is not serious. An official update on his condition could arrive at some point today.
But, this issue leaves a possible loan move away from Barcelona until the end of the season in doubt.