Barcelona long-term absentee fully rejoins group training as return edges closer | OneFootball

FC Barcelona held their final training session on Tuesday morning ahead of their Champions League quarter-final first leg against Borussia Dortmund, scheduled for Wednesday at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic.

With the business end of the season approaching, Hansi Flick & co. are alive in three competitions and will need the full depth of the squad as they dream of a historic treble.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen resumes full group training

As per SPORT, Barcelona have been handed a big boost as captain and first-choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen returned to full training with the rest of the squad.

The German tactician began the session with specific drills for goalkeepers, working alongside the other three goalkeepers called up for the European fixture: Wojciech Szczesny, Inaki Pena and Diego Kochen.

Later, Ter Stegen took part in a rondo session with the outfield players. He was the only goalkeeper to use his feet in the drill, while the others remained in goal.

Notably, he joined what appeared to be the likely starting eleven: Jules Kounde, Pau Cubarsi, Inigo Martinez, Alejandro Balde, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Lamine Yamal, Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha.

Edging closer to a comeback. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

However, it must be noted that Ter Stegen is, as things stand, ineligible to feature in the Champions League and for him to play in the competition, Barça would have to deregister Szczesny.

But the veteran shot-stopper can play in La Liga and Copa del Rey without any restrictions and his return to full group training today suggests that a comeback is now closer than ever.

Marc Bernal continues making steady progress

During the Tuesday morning session, another long-term absentee, Marc Bernal, was also seen working on his recovery.

The teenager trained separately from the rest of the squad, accompanied by fitness coaches who are closely monitoring his progress.

The academy product is making very positive strides following the injury he sustained earlier in the season. Although he did not engage in ball work, there is still a possibility that he could rejoin group training before the end of the campaign.

The only player not present during today’s session at Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper was Dani Olmo, who is recovering from an adductor injury.