Worry for Barcelona as key star is not in group training ahead of Porto clash

Several Barcelona starters have suffered injuries during the course of the campaign. The likes of Pedri, Frenkie de Jong, and Robert Lewandowski have all had to spend time on the sidelines, which has caused difficulties for the Catalan giants.

Barcelona had to lock horns against Rayo Vallecano most recently, with Marc-Andre ter Stegen, another undisputed starter, missing from their ranks.

With tests pending today, there was hope that he would be able to return in time to face off against FC Porto in the Champions League on Tuesday night.

Ter Stegen not training with the group

However, recent information by Adria Albets indicates that the German’s inclusion is now in jeopardy.

Indeed, according to the report, Ter Stegen is currently not training with the group ahead of the Catalan giants’ monumental encounter against Porto.

During the international break, the 31-year-old was diagnosed with lower back pain immediately after reporting to the German national team camp.

Having returned to Barcelona without playing a single minute for the Germans, it was anticipated that his pain would resolve and he would soon return to guarding Barcelona’s goal.

Even so, after missing the game against Rayo Vallecano and being replaced by Inaki Pena, his issues have yet to be eradicated.

With Ter Stegen not training with the group just one day before Barcelona prepare to host Porto, his absence is almost a guarantee.

Pena to start again?

Ter Stegen’s heroics between the sticks last season paved the way for Barcelona to triumph in La Liga.

As such, missing out on him ahead of tomorrow does not bode well, given the inexperience of Inaki Pena is also set to cause unrest in such a high-stakes game.

The 24-year-old had a mixed outing against Rayo Vallecano this past weekend with some nervy moments in what was his first appearance of the season.

However, Barcelona have many important games coming up, as Atletico Madrid and Girona await them right after that.

Ensuring Ter Stegen is fit for the upcoming games in La Liga, where the situation is more slippery for Barcelona, might be the primary objective for the team.