Ter Stegen returns after 223 days out

The captain is back - after more than seven months out, goalkeeper Marc ter Stegen has reappeared in a Barça shirt. The German made his comeback in Barça's game on Saturday away to Real Valladolid, playing his part in the team's vital 2-1 win to retain their advantage in the race for the La Liga title. 

The captain's resilience 

Back at the end of September of last year Ter Stegen suffered a serious injury to his right knee coming to catch a cross in a league game away at Villarreal. That day – possibly one of the most painful of his career – the comeback began, and thanks to his hard work and resilience, the German managed to recover in time to be called into the squad for last weekend's Copa del Rey final against Real Madrid. 

During his recovery Ter Stegen always had the support of his team mates and the captain even travelled to Saudi Arabia to be part of the group who would go on to claim the trophy with a win against Real Madrid in the final. 

An 18th trophy 

Last weekend in Seville, again against Real Madrid, Ter Stegen picked up his 18th trophy as a blaugrana thanks to the club's win over their big rivals in the Copa del Rey final. Now, the German keeper is in the top 11 of Barça players with most trophies, level with Javier Mascherano and Jordi Alba, and has the chance to extend that total with the Champions League and La Liga still up for grabs in 2024/25.