Barcelona announced today, Friday, the return of midfielder Frenkie de Jong to the squad that will face Rayo Vallecano tomorrow, Saturday, in La Liga, after being sidelined for two months due to an ankle injury. However, Barcelona will be without their first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen after he was injured during training with the German national team last week.
Barcelona stated: "De Jong has fully recovered and has received approval from the medical team to return to matches. Ter Stegen is suffering from a lower back injury and will be out of the match; the development of his condition will determine his availability for future matches."
Ter Stegen's injury comes after midfielder Gavi's injury, who will be out for several months due to a tear in the anterior cruciate ligament of his knee sustained during the international break.
Team coach Xavi Hernandez said at a press conference today that Iñaki Peña will guard the goal for the team against Rayo Vallecano. The coach has called up second team players Unai Hernández and Alex Garido as midfield substitutes.
Barcelona currently sits in third place in the league standings with 30 points, two points behind second-placed Real Madrid, who will visit Cádiz on Sunday. Girona, the league leaders with 34 points, will host Athletic Bilbao next Monday.
