Barcelona to take legal action against Marc-Andre ter Stegen as injury saga turns sour

Marc-Andre ter Stegen recently announced that he’d be out for ‘three months’ after having surgery on his back, one month short of giving Barcelona the opportunity to register a new signing in his place

Barcelona have opened disciplinary proceedings against club captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen as the saga surrounding his injury turns sour. Ter Stegen, 33, recently had surgery on a reoccurring back problem, having missed the majority of last season with a serious knee injury.

Amid their financial troubles and difficulties registering summer additions such as Marcus Rashford, Barca had intended to register new goalkeeper Joan Garcia as a short-term replacement for Ter Stegen under La Liga’s injury exception rule. It allows clubs to use 80 per cent of the injured player’s wages to register a new signing.

But the rule only applies to players who’ll be out for at least four months. Rather matter-of-factly, Ter Stegen stated following his operation that he’d be out for ‘three months’, also quashing talk of a move away during the summer transfer window.

That caused a stir at Barcelona, reportedly prompting some board members to call for the German to be stripped of the armband. Barca released their own statement regarding Ter Stegen’s surgery and didn’t mention a timeframe for his recovery.

In a fresh twist to what’s becoming a bitter saga, the goalkeeper is said to have refused to sign a consent form which would’ve allowed Barcelona to send his injury details to the La Liga Medical Committee. That’s prompted the Spanish champions to turn the matter over to their legal department.

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According to Mundo Deportivo, Barca have opened disciplinary proceedings against Ter Stegen, as they believe that his non-compliance is detrimental to Hansi Flick’s team. The 33-year-old could therefore face internal sanctions if the club’s lawyers confirm that action can be taken.

Ter Stegen is, however, within his rights to withhold sharing his personal medical information with third parties, including governing bodies. Barcelona argue that the Germany international’s stance is in conflict with his contractual obligations.

It’s added in the report that when club chiefs attempted to arrange a face-to-face meeting to discuss the situation, Ter Stegen refused. Barca were presented with a similar opportunity last season, as they were able to register Dani Olmo following a long-term injury to Andreas Christensen, who signed the consent form.

Are Barcelona disrespecting Marc-Andre ter Stegen? Have your say in the comments section.

What’s more is that multiple Barcelona players have voiced their support for Ter Stegen, insisting that he should remain as captain after winning a dressing-room vote last season. When asked if his team-mate should keep the armband, vice-captain Raphinha replied: “In my opinion, yes.

“But in the end, it’s not something that’s up to us. Since I arrived, he’s always helped me. I remember clearly, he was already one of the captains, and in football there are hierarchies that must be respected.

“But ultimately, it’s not our decision. We just have to listen to what we’re told. Even if he’s no longer the captain, he’ll still be one to us – and a very special person.”

Speaking to RAC1 during Barca’s pre-season tour of Asia, Gavi insisted: “Marc is a club legend and must be respected for the way he is. When he comes back from injury, we’ll see and the coach will decide. What is clear is that he is a club legend and he must be respected.”

Pau Cabarsi also told Cadena SER: “Ter Stegen is our captain and we’re happy with him. He’s always helped me when I started with the first team. We’re happy he’s with us.

“We’ve encouraged him, and he’s encouraged us as a group this preseason. He’s the captain, we respect him, and we’re very happy with him. For now, Ter Stegen is our captain, and we see him as the captain he is.

“He’s been here for many years and knows this subject a lot, so he can help us a lot in every aspect because he’s also been around a little longer than us. After all, he’s won a Champions League title, so for us, he’s number one.”

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