Barcelona will be able to register new signing Joan García before the weekend’s La Liga opener with Mallorca after La Liga ruled that goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen’s back injury meets the long-term injury criteria.
Ter Stegen underwent back surgery and had initially suggested a three-month absence, but La Liga requires a roughly four-month layoff for a player to be classified as long-term injured. The designation clears the path for García to be registered, a move the club had been waiting on to solidify its goalkeeping setup for the season.
The decision also comes amid a recent rift between Ter Stegen and Barcelona over the club’s injury reporting, which briefly saw the German star stripped of the captaincy before it was restored after he signed the injury declaration. Without the long-term tag, Barcelona couldn’t register García, who is expected to be Barcelona’s starter this season after arriving from Espanyol in the offseason.
With García unregistered alongside Wojciech Szczęsny, speculation had mounted that 19-year-old American Diego Kochen could be handed a shock competitive debut at Mallorca. Now that García’s registration is secured, Kochen will have to wait for his formal Barcelona debut.
Barcelona confirmed: “FC Barcelona hereby announces that La Liga’s Medical Committee has ruled that goalkeeper Marc-André Ter Stegen’s injury meets the long-term injury criteria established by current regulations. The club will proceed tomorrow to immediately formalize the registration of player Joan García.”
Kochen, a Florida native, impressed with Barcelona’s reserve side Barcelona Atlètic last season and has already earned a call-up to the United States men’s national team, though he is yet to win his first cap.
Context and implications:
– García’s registration gives Barcelona a longer-term solution in goal, reducing immediate pressure on the recovering Ter Stegen.
– Kochen’s path to the first team remains on hold for now, but the youngster’s presence in the conversation signals depth in Barcelona’s goalkeeping ranks.
– The matter underscores how La Liga’s long-term injury rules can affect transfer and registration strategies at top clubs.
Summary: With Ter Stegen’s injury categorized as long-term, Barcelona has cleared the way to register Joan García and preserve its goalkeeping plans for the season, while Kochen awaits his competitive Barça debut. Barcelona’s focus now shifts to integrating García quickly as the team prepares for the Mallorca match, and to monitoring Ter Stegen’s recovery.
Notes for editors: The article reflects ongoing developments around Barcelona’s goalkeeping situation and roster registrations ahead of the season opener. The information highlights the strategic use of long-term injury designations in squad management. If desired, a brief follow-up can update readers on García’s debut performance and Kochen’s subsequent opportunities.