(Reuters) – Barcelona’s Dutch midfielder Frenkie De Jong is set to make his return to the squad for Saturday’s LaLiga game against Rayo Vallecano after being sidelined for two months due to an ankle injury, the club announced on Friday.
However, the team will be missing their first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who sustained an injury during training with the German national team last week.
“Frenkie De Jong has received medical clearance, but Marc ter Stegen is dealing with a lower back injury. He is unavailable and his recovery progress will determine his future availability,” Barca stated in a press release.
Ter Stegen’s injury adds to the absence of Spanish midfielder Gavi, who is expected to be out for several months due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered while on international duty.
With Ter Stegen out, Inaki Pena will step in as the goalkeeper for the game against Rayo, as confirmed by coach Xavi Hernandez during a press conference on Friday.
In addition, Hernandez has called up reserve team players Unai Hernandez and Aleix Garrido as alternative midfield options for the upcoming match.
Barcelona currently occupies the third position in LaLiga with 30 points, trailing behind second-placed Real Madrid by a margin of two points. Real Madrid will visit Cadiz on Sunday, while Girona, who lead the standings with 34 points, are set to host Athletic Bilbao on Monday.
(Reporting by Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City; Editing by Ken Ferris)
