Marc-Andre Ter Stegen has not played for Barca since he suffered a back injury while on international duty in November 2023.
To say that Barca have missed their reliable goalkeeper is an understatement. Barca have been leaking goals like a punctured balloon since Ter Stegen's injury.
But how badly are Barca missing the German shot-stopper?
Barcelona have sorely missed Ter Stegen's leadership at the back. Since Sergio Busquets left, Ter Stegen has captained the team as vice-captain after Sergi Roberto.
Barca have missed a leader in their dressing room and someone who organizes their defences on the pitch. As a result, Xavi's team have kept just one clean sheet since Ter Stergen's injury. It was worrying that Barca couldn't even keep a clean sheet against minnows Barbastro in the Cup.
Inaki Pena has replaced Ter Stegen but he's not been at the same level, which is quite understandable.
Pena has conceded 15 goals in 9 matches this season since replacing Ter Stegen, he's only kept one clean sheet. It took Ter Stegen 17 games to score 15 goals, but the 31-year-old managed 8 clean sheets.
What's more, Barcelona would be fighting for their first trophy of the season in Saudi Arabia without Ter Stegen in the team. That slightly affects Barca's chances. If Pena can't keep a clean sheet it's hard to see Barca winning it.
The good news is that Ter Stegen is expected to return to full training in the coming month. When he does, Barca's title hopes will receive a massive boost.
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