Rather than being a reason for celebration, Marc-André ter Stegen’s return to FC Barcelona’s squad dynamic after several months out with injury is becoming a major point of conflict surrounding the club’s current situation. However, Hansi Flick is fully aware of the decisive stage of the season that Barcelona is entering and has chosen to end the debate with Szczesny over the starting role in order to avoid creating an unstable atmosphere.

Ter Stegen’s influence at Barcelona

As reported by 'SPORT', Ter Stegen's inclusion on FC Barcelona’s Champions League squad list was an indication that he was ahead of schedule in his recovery, which the German goalkeeper had set with Barcelona’s medical staff from the moment he got injured in Villarreal. A clear statement of intent showing his desire to reclaim the starting spot once he was fit again.

There’s no doubt about the importance of Marc-André ter Stegen in Barcelona's locker room. He is the team’s captain and the only player on the current roster who was part of the squad that won the club’s last treble back in 2015. He also has a close relationship with Hansi Flick from their time with the German national team… although Flick never quite gave him the starting role over Manuel Neuer.

“Szczesny will play the Champions League”

What few expected, though, was the outstanding level Szczesny has reached while guarding Barcelona's net. He arrived as an emergency signing and initially struggled to claim the spot. However, disciplinary issues from Iñaki Peña gave him a chance in the Spanish Super Cup, and since then, he hasn’t taken off his gloves.

Now, with Ter Stegen back, Flick was forced to make a decision… and he announced it ahead of the first leg against Inter Milan in the Champions League semifinals in no uncertain terms: “Szczesny will play the Champions League, maybe we’ll make some changes in LaLiga.” However, it seems likely that Ter Stegen will only get his spot back once Barcelona secures the LaLiga title.