Barça’s Keeper is Fine, Garcia Heads to International Duty, and a 5-0 Roar in Saudi Arabia
7 January 2026
Match Update and Ter Stegen Health
Barça's sporting director reassures fans about the keeper's condition.
Deco, Barca's sporting director, told Catalan fans that the German goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is not seriously injured.
He explained the concern was mainly about the knee, which had undergone surgery on September 23, 2024 after a patellar tendon tear.
Barça crushed Athletic Bilbao 5-0 on Wednesday night to reach the Spanish Super Cup final, staged in Saudi Arabia.
The Spanish Super Cup event is broadcast exclusively through the Eight app, the Saudi Pro League's official broadcaster.
Asked about a possible loan move this window, Deco said there is nothing to discuss about the future; Marc remains our player and arrived in Saudi Arabia to be simply a regular squad member.
He added that both he and the keeper traveled to Barcelona to meet the surgeon who operated on the knee, and thankfully there were no serious problems; the plan remains unchanged: Ter Stegen is Barcelona's player.
Garcia, National Team and What’s Next
Regarding Juan Garcia, Deco said he is happy to see players earn national team call-ups and that Garcia brings a lot to Barça; the important thing is his happiness and performance, while the national team selection is not Barcelona's concern.
Barça now waits for the Madrid derby winner to meet them in the final on Sunday.
In a side note, the piece includes visuals of Atletico Madrid and Real Madrid crests, highlighting Sunday's final between the two possible finalists.
The article also notes that a video player or video content would be available, and includes calls to action inviting readers to download the Eight app.
Credit to Getty Images was listed.
The piece is dated January 7, 2026 at 21:58. The semi between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid takes place the day after, setting up a climactic Sunday final.
