Marc-Andre ter Stegen closing in on Barcelona return

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is closing in on a return to first-team action after a spell on the sidelines recovering from treatment on a knee injury.

The German missed the final game of last season and Euro 2020 after opting for a “complementary intervention” on his knee.

The treatment has also kept Ter Stegen out of pre-season and Sunday’s opening La Liga game against Real Sociedad but he is closing in on a return.

Ter Stegen has been out on the training ground this week and did part of the session with the team on Friday ahead of Saturday’s match at Athletic.

The German is not in the squad for the trip to San Mames, with Neto set to continue, but will be back with his teammates shortly.

Reports suggests he could be available for Barcelona’s next game at home to Getafe, or failing that, for the trip to Sevilla after the international break.

It’s thought that Philippe Coutinho may also be ready in time for the game against Getafe, while Ronald Koeman has previously said he hopes Ansu Fati could be ready in September.