Marc-André ter Stegen has made a timely return to the Barcelona squad ahead of their highly anticipated 2025 Copa del Rey final against arch-rivals Real Madrid.
The German goalkeeper, who has been sidelined for over seven months due to a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, received medical clearance and has been included in the matchday squad by manager Hansi Flick.
Despite his return, reports indicate that Wojciech Szczęsny, who joined the Catalan side in mid-season and has performed consistently during Ter Stegen’s absence, is expected to start in goal for the final.
Meanwhile, Barcelona will be without two key players—Robert Lewandowski and Alejandro Balde—both of whom have been ruled out due to injury. Lewandowski sustained a hamstring injury during a recent La Liga fixture against Celta de Vigo, while Balde has been recovering from a similar issue picked up earlier this month in the match against Leganés. The pair is not expected back until May.
In the absence of Lewandowski, Ferran Torres is likely to lead the line, supported by the attacking duo of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha on the flanks. The final represents a significant opportunity for Barcelona, who are chasing a treble this season, having already lifted the Supercopa de España and currently sitting atop the La Liga standings.
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