LaLiga: Barcelona Superstar Ruled Out of Cagey Encounter Against Atletico Madrid

• For the second consecutive day, Marc-Andre Ter Stegen did not train with Barcelona
• The goalkeeper has been struggling with a back injury that he picked up at the start of November
• The German international is not part of the squad to face Atletico Madrid on Sunday

Barcelona's goalkeeper, Marc-Andre ter Stegen, will not be available for the Sunday clash against Atletico Madrid.

The German has been absent from his team's recent matches against Rayo Vallecano and Porto due to a back issue sustained during the November international break.

Unfortunately, the 31-year-old has been ruled out of the upcoming game against Atletico as well. Xavi, the head coach of the Catalan outfit, disclosed in his pre-match press conference that the goalkeeper is not yet prepared to make his return

"He has been tested but he has a problem. He is not fit, he is ruled out for tomorrow," Xavi told reporters via Barca Universal.

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As a result, Inaki Pena will maintain his position as the goalkeeper, and the 24-year-old is set to make his third consecutive appearance for the reigning La Liga champions.

Gavi is sidelined and not an option for selection, as the midfielder is out for the season due to a severe knee injury, per Sportsmole.

Barcelona currently occupy the fourth position in the La Liga table, sharing points with the third-placed Atletico. Additionally, the capital outfit has a game in hand.

The Catalan giants are set to play consecutive league matches against Atletico and Girona before embarking on a trip to face Royal Antwerp for their last Champions League group fixture on December 13.

Ter Stegen’s latest Barcelona contract

In a previous report, Sports Brief discussed the latest contract offering of goalkeeper Ter Stegen.

Ter Stegen, who has witnessed a resurgence in form following his recovery from a thigh injury that kept him out for most of the 2020/21 season, recently penned a new contract at the Catalan club.

With Barcelona keen on the reduction of their wage structure as they struggle to balance the books with Financial Fair Play rules, the German was also given a reduced weekly wage, which is now said to be just over ₤120,000, which translates to ₤6.3 million annually.