What next for FC Barcelona as their priority number 1 gets ruled out for the rest of the season?

FC Barcelona defeated Villarreal at the Ceramica stadium in much convincing fashion, remaining at the La Liga table top with a complete 18 points from the six matchdays. While FC Barcelona's 5-1 victory against Villarreal looked almost perfect in all aspects, the fixture came with a significant setback for the Blaugrana club.

What next for FC Barcelona as their priority number 1 gets ruled out for the rest of the season?

In the end minutes of the first half, Barca's star goalkeeper, Ter Stegen, fell on the ground awkwardly in an attempt to catch the corner kick. Sooner, the medical staff was required, which forced the German star on a stretcher, with Flick substituting Inaki Pena with him. Moreover, what has not been in the club's favor is that reports suggest the goalkeeper could be out for the remaining season.

Not to forget, Ter Stegen had faced an injury on his right knee in 2020, after which he had to undergo surgery, but this time, the conditions look much more severe. According to David Barastegui, who had performed the goalkeeper's knee surgery back in 2020,

""The first surgery we performed had nothing to do with this one; this one is much more serious. The duration depends a lot on how it evolves; it is 8 months and could be more.""

- David Barastegui

As mentioned, Barca's priority number 1 seems to be sidelined for the rest of the season, and given the unavailability of a replacement of significant potential, it is certain they need to look for alternatives. Although Inaki Pena managed not to concede a goal in the second half, the Spanish youngster looked far from convincing to solely rely on.

Recent reports suggest that Barca can only free agents as potential replacements, given that the summer transfer window ended much ago. While there are a few brilliant choices up for grabs, it certainly would be difficult for the club to find a proper replacement for Ter Stegen, who has been a part of Barca all over the last decade.

Of the names that stand as top choices for the cause are Real Madrid's legendary number 1 Keylor Navas, former Elche goalkeeper Edgar Badia, and the retired veteran Wojciech Szczęsny. Although Navas and Szczęsny have been part of big setups, Real Madrid and Juventus in the past, it would certainly be difficult for them to replicate the same at 37 and 34 years, respectively.

Overall, Ter Stegen's unfortunate season-ending injury has caused significant problems for FC Barcelona, who, despite having the resources, might have to settle for a goalkeeper past his prime years, considering the options available. It remains to be seen what the Blaugrana club decides, either to go for a replacement or promote Inaki Pena and Astralaga in the role.