Barcelona captain may still have a 50% chance of playing against Atletico Madrid

As Barcelona’s colossal clash with Atletico Madrid edges closer, the anticipation in the air reaches a fever pitch.

The Catalan giants were able to overcome the challenge of FC Porto most recently, with goals from Joao Cancelo and Joao Felix making the difference.

However, Barcelona procured the three points without a key presence in the starting XI, Marc-Andre ter Stegen.

With merely a day remaining until Barça return to action, Ter Stegen faces a race against time as he is gradually beginning to improve his condition.

50/50

As per a report by Mundo Deportivo, the German goalkeeper has a 50% chance of playing this weekend as he started doing fieldwork on Friday.

Ter Stegen had been diagnosed with back pain during the international break and has yet to play a single minute since then. However, slowly but surely, he is regaining his fitness.

The German goalkeeper did participate in fieldwork for the first time, but away from the group on the sidelines.

He arrived at the facilities on Friday very early and stayed until lunchtime, using recuperators to treat his lower back pain and working out as much as possible in the gym without putting any strain on his back.

With Ter Stegen previously not doing any form of training, his presence was a major doubt, but as of now, with the player doing some work on the field, nothing can be ruled out, and his inclusion may end up materializing.

However, having missed the last two games against Rayo Vallecano and FC Porto, a case can certainly be made of Ter Stegen’s lack of rhythm.

On the other hand, Inaki Pena is in the driving seat because of his dominant display against Porto in the Champions League, which obliges the Barcelona captain to be at full fitness before making his return.

Time will tell how Ter Stegen feels ahead of the encounter, but his chances are up in the air right now.