Is There a Growing Rift Between Barcelona and Ter Stegen?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Conflict over medical report is escalating between FC Barcelona and Ter Stegen.
- Potential absence of Ter Stegen could last up to five months.
- Barcelona faces challenges in registering new players.
- Ter Stegen's decision may impact his playing opportunities.
- Club's financial strategy is at stake.
Madrid (Spain), Aug 5 (NationPress) The tension between FC Barcelona and goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is intensifying, as the club has initiated disciplinary action against the player. This decision comes after Ter Stegen allegedly declined to endorse a medical report that Barcelona intended to submit to La Liga's Medical Commission concerning the 33-year-old's back injury.
Last week, Ter Stegen underwent back surgery, and he announced on social media that he anticipates being sidelined for approximately three months. Nevertheless, Barcelona's medical documentation suggests he will be unavailable for up to five months.
This discrepancy is crucial for Barcelona because if La Liga agrees with Ter Stegen's timeline, his absence extending beyond four months would allow the club to exclude him from its first-team roster. This would enable them to utilize 80 percent of his salary to register new players in accordance with La Liga's financial fair play regulations.
At present, Barcelona is unable to register new signings Joan Garcia, Roony Bardghji, and Marcus Rashford in their squad. Additionally, Wojciech Szczesny and Gerard Martin remain unregistered following new contracts, with Martin having been promoted from the B-team.
With other sources of income still in flux, Barcelona requires the funds from Ter Stegen's salary to register at least some of the five players before their La Liga debut against Mallorca on August 16. However, Ter Stegen remains steadfast, understanding that conceding would mean he could not play until January, even if he is fit by the end of October.
The situation is further complicated as Ter Stegen and Inaki Pena are currently Barcelona's only two registered goalkeepers, with Pena not included in coach Hansi Flick's plans. This makes it increasingly important for the club to find a method to register Garcia and Szczesny, yet the strain on a goalkeeper who has appeared 422 times for the club creates a conflict that shows no signs of resolution.