FC Barcelona has confirmed that German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is suffering from a back injury that, according to LaLiga’s Medical Committee, is classified as long-term, with an expected absence of over four months. This validation allows the club to immediately register their new signing, goalkeeper Joan García, from Espanyol, to face the start of the season.

The situation was surrounded by some institutional tension, as Ter Stegen initially refused to sign the medical report necessary to formalize the registration of his replacement. This disagreement even led to the temporary removal of his captaincy, although both parties later reached a reconciliation.

After signing the document and issuing a joint statement, the goalkeeper was reinstated as captain. Joan García has been registered using 80% of Ter Stegen’s salary, in accordance with the regulations governing long-term injury replacements in LaLiga.

Meanwhile, Barcelona’s management is working against the clock to also register other notable signings such as Marcus Rashford and Wojciech Szczęsny before the official start of the league. These moves are backed by financial guarantees and revenue validation from Camp Nou’s VIP seats, in an effort to meet LaLiga’s strict economic requirements and ensure the participation of all new reinforcements in the first matchday.