Injury setback hits FC Barcelona before Porto Clash

FC Barcelona has been dealt a major blow just hours before their essential match against Porto in the Champions League. The setback was revealed with the release of the squad list nine hours before the kickoff.

Barcelona is set to take on Porto at the Montjuic Stadium on Tuesday, with the winner securing the top spot in Group H and facing a second-place opponent in the last 16.

Mundo Deportivo reported that a potential third loss for Xavi’s team could lead to a tense atmosphere, following the coach’s claims of receiving 100% confidence from president Joan Laporta and Deco on Monday.

Xavi made these statements in the pre-match press conference where he also confirmed the return of goalkeeper and de facto captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen to the field.

The German goalkeeper sustained a back injury while on international duty earlier this month, causing him to miss Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Rayo Vallecano, leaving Barcelona four points behind league leaders Real Madrid in fourth place in La Liga.

Ter Stegen was expected to lead the defense in the upcoming match, but his name was noticeably absent from the squad list released around midday in Spain.

The three goalkeepers selected for the match are Inaki Pena, Ander Astralaga, and 17-year-old American Diego Kochen.

Pena is the likely starter, having previously played in Vallecas, and this will be his second appearance of the 2023/2024 season.

It is anticipated that Ter Stegen will make his return for Sunday’s match against Atletico Madrid at the same venue.

Following Barcelona’s draw with Rayo, Diego Simeone’s team rose to third place with a 1-0 win over Mallorca. Many consider them to be strong contenders for this season’s top prize, especially considering the injuries suffered by Real Madrid and Barcelona.

Girona, in second place, is the next opponent on December 10, just three days before Barcelona’s final Champions League group game away at Royal Antwerp.