Concern for Barcelona as injury updates surface on Marc-André ter Stegen and Iñigo Martínez

Updates on the wellbeing of a pair of sidelined Barcelona players have come to the fore.

And the news, ahead of the hectic festive period, will no doubt come as a source of concern for all associated with the Blaugrana.

First up comes the latest on Marc-André ter Stegen.

Shot-stopper Ter Stegen has spent the last couple of weeks on the treatment table, after picking up a back issue whilst on international duty with Germany.

Backup Iñaki Peña, to his credit, has stepped up supremely in his absence, but Xavi and co. are nevertheless no doubt keen to have the club’s no.1 back as soon as possible.

As per a report from Diario AS, though, the Catalans should not expect to see Ter Stegen back on the pitch imminently.

The 31-year-old is continuing to struggle with his back, with talks ongoing between club staff and Ter Stegen himself over the best course of action.

A prolonged period of rest is one option, but the Blaugrana are also giving serious consideration to sending their star shot-stopper under the knife.

Either way, it looks altogether unlikely that Ter Stegen will mark his comeback before the turn of the year.

Next up comes the latest on Iñigo Martínez.

Stopper Martínez featured from the off on Sunday, seeing out the full 90 minutes in Barca’s La Liga downing of Atlético Madrid.

An ensuing release earlier today, though, revealed that the 32-year-old had picked up an injury in his right hamstring:

As per an ensuing report by way of AS’ Javi Miguel, this blow is likely to keep Martínez, like Ter Stegen, out of action until 2024.

Conor Laird | GSFN