Szczesny returns to training and aims for the starting XI against Guadalajara

Hansi Flick welcomed back Wojciech Szczesny this Sunday. The experienced goalkeeper worked normally with the FC Barcelona squad in the post-match recovery session against Osasuna (2-0), where the Polish player was a last-minute absentee due to gastroenteritis.

'Tek' had been included in the squad for Barça's first 22 matches of the 2025/26 season, but **he suffered stomach discomfort prior to matchday 16 of LaLiga**. Ultimately, **Diego Kochen** took his place in a list that once again included the name of **Marc-André ter Stegen**

After almost seven months without being included in a league squad, the German was on the bench on Saturday at the Spotify Camp Nou, just as he had been last Tuesday in the Champions League, against Eintracht.

In this regard, Flick will have to decide between 'Matts' and Szczesny to occupy the goal against **Deportivo Guadalajara**, on Tuesday for the Copa del Rey round of 32. Barring any surprises, everything indicates that 'Tek' will be the technical staff's choice for the Copa debut at the Pedro Escartín Stadium (9:00 PM CEST)

Szczesny, favorite to take Barça's goal in the Copa del Rey

Although Hansi Flick respects Ter Stegen's role as captain and a key figure in the Barça locker room, the German coach defined his two goalkeepers for 25/26 from the summer: **Joan García and Szczesny as '1' and '2'** for the four competitions at stake: League, Cup, Spanish Super Cup, and Champions League.

The Pole took over the Culer goal from late September to mid-November, while García recovered from a knee injury. With 'Matts' sidelined after undergoing lumbar surgery in July, 'Tek' had a clear path to return to goal in **8 matches in which he conceded 17 goals**.

Although the 35-year-old goalkeeper did not manage to keep a clean sheet in that period, Flick maintains full confidence in his experience to remain as Joan's backup, Barça's star signing for 25/26.

Last season, Szczesny was the starting goalkeeper for the Blaugrana in the entire Copa del Rey, conceding 6 goals in 5 matches. The Warsaw native only missed the round of 16 tie (against Betis) due to suspension and, in the final against Real Madrid (3-2), he kept his place even though Ter Stegen had been medically cleared in mid-April.

Ter Stegen's substitute role in Guadalajara could be key for the German's future

For the German goalkeeper, relapsing into his back problems last summer, just as Barcelona began the season, was decisive in leaving him out of Hansi Flick's plans for 25/26. **'Matts' pushed the board to the limit** to define his time off, but finally gave the 'Ok' to enter the medical report that confirmed his recovery for 4 or more months.

For now, the relationship with the club and the coaching staff is cordial, pending the definition of his future in the next winter transfer window. If Flick leaves him on the bench in Guadalajara, it will be the end for **a Ter Stegen who needs to play regularly** to return to his best form before the World Cup. Otherwise, it will also seriously compromise his participation in the tournament with Germany.

Knowing he is relegated in the Barça goal, 'Matts' will have no choice but to negotiate a loan or transfer to another team in January. A loan move appears to be the most feasible way to resolve his future, as he still has a contract with Barça until 2028 and his salary (around 14 million gross per year) does not help facilitate his departure via contract termination.