Barcelona academy graduate set to replace veteran superstar in starting XI vs Rayo Vallecano – report

Even as doubts persist over the availability of Barcelona superstar Marc-Andre ter Stegen to face Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, Toni Juanmarti of SPORT has come up with a fresh update on the situation.

As per the latest report, all signs point towards Ter Stegen being unavailable for the contest away at the Vallecas this weekend. And, as such, the first-choice goalkeeper is all set to be replaced by Inaki Pena between the sticks.

Ter Stegen still not 100% fit

Ter Stegen suffered a back problem while away on international duty with Germany and returned to the club without playing any game for his national team.

The 31-year-old’s injury was never serious, but he has not trained with the rest of the group this week and was seen doing individual work even today as well.

Speaking at the MARCA Awards Gala, the Barcelona goalkeeper appeared coy on his availability, as he said:

“I have to wait to see how my lower back pain evolves. Let’s see how I am tomorrow and I’ll talk to the doctors to assess.”

But, Juanmarti is insisting that Ter Stegen, at this point, is still not 100% fit, and although his availability is not entirely ruled out, everything indicates that the veteran superstar will not start vs Rayo.

The hope is that the former Borussia Monchengladbach ace is fit to face FC Porto next week, although it is not taken for granted at this point.

Inaki Pena’s big chance

This opens the door for La Masia graduate Inaki Pena to make his first appearance of the 2023/24 season.

To date, the 24-year-old, who signed a new contract with the club earlier this year, has made only five first-team appearances, all of which came in the last season.

Given Ter Stegen’s excellence, there has been simply no room for someone like Pena to get an opportunity.

But with the German international now unlikely to feature against Rayo, the reserve goalkeeper will be eager to make the most of the chance that comes his way.