Marc-André ter Stegen's Injury Update: Will He Be Fit for Barça's Next Game?

Things don't seem in order at the moment for FC Barcelona and German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen. The shot stopper wasn't present at the recent Barça training, which raised concerns regarding his availability. It looks like the German wall still hasn't recovered from his injury, which he picked up at the German national team camp.

While training for friendlies against Turkey and Austria, ter Stegen was hit with an acute back pain. After further check-ins with the national team doctors, the German made the decision to return to Barcelona. The German team was stunned, losing both the friendlies following ter Stegen's departure.

Back home in Barcelona, the Catalans are preparing for a home clash against Atlético Madrid and ter Stegen still appears to be recovering from his back problems. Since his arrival the German stopper has missed two games, including a Champions League fixture. There are no hints concerning the seriousness of his injury.

Ter Stegen's Backup

There is not much to worry about at the Barça camp, though. Even if ter Stegen gets ruled out against Los Colchoneros, La Masia graduate Iñaki Peña will guard the post for the Blaugranes. Peña recently filled in the German's position following his unavailability.

The Spanish shot stopper displayed decent performances against Rayo Vallecano and FC Porto. Peña, being young, lacks top level experience. To help the 24-year-old develop, the Spanish club even sent him on a loan to Galatasaray, where he made only 6 appearances for the Turkish giants.

Funnily enough, the Alicante native made an appearance against Barcelona while playing for Cimbom. Even with little elite experience, the Spanish stopper has the potential to make it big at the top. Ter Stegen's injury might just be a blessing in disguise for the Spaniard to showcase his abilities and acquaint himself with the best of the game.