Injury Concerns for Catalan Giants Ahead of Crucial Match

The preparations for the Catalan giants took a surprising turn on Tuesday evening, as the squad practiced at King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah without their most dynamic attacker, Yamal. His notable absence raised eyebrows as the team conducted their final drills ahead of Wednesday’s pivotal encounter against the Basque side.

Reports from the camp indicate that Yamal did not join his teammates on the pitch due to a “general feeling of unwellness.” The club has refrained from issuing a formal medical report, leading observers to speculate that the issue is neither a significant injury nor a long-term concern. Instead, the decision to keep him from the main group appears to be a prudent risk management strategy aimed at ensuring he has the best chance of recovering in time for the match.

While the rest of the squad acclimatized to the conditions in Saudi Arabia, Yamal remained in the facility to engage in “specific work” in the gym. This tailored approach suggests that the physical staff are focused on managing his workload as he combats a minor illness.

This is not the first instance in recent weeks where the young Spanish international has raised concerns by missing the final training session before a match. A similar situation occurred just last weekend ahead of the La Liga fixture against Espanyol, where he also cited a general sense of discomfort. Despite limited preparation time, he was included in the starting lineup and completed the match.

While Yamal’s situation remains uncertain, the confirmed absence of Ter Stegen represents a more immediate and definitive setback for the squad. The German goalkeeper, a cornerstone of the team since his arrival in 2014, had to withdraw entirely from the tournament following an injury sustained during a training session earlier on Tuesday.

The club confirmed that the 33-year-old has departed the team’s base in Jeddah and is en route back to Barcelona for urgent medical evaluations to determine the extent of his injury. With Ter Stegen sidelined, manager Hansi Flick has been compelled to seek reinforcements from the youth setup. United States under-20 goalkeeper Diego Kochen has been called upon and will travel immediately to Saudi Arabia, serving as the third-choice option behind established number one, Joan Garcia, and experienced deputy, Wojciech Szczesny, for the remainder of the competition.

The timing of this injury is particularly unfortunate for Ter Stegen, who has already faced intense speculation regarding his future at the club. Having made over 400 appearances for the Blaugrana, his status has rapidly diminished over the past 18 months due to fitness struggles and the emergence of new talent.

He missed a significant portion of last season due to a serious knee injury and was unavailable at the start of the current campaign following back surgery. In his absence, the club made substantial investments in the goalkeeping position, acquiring Joan Garcia from Espanyol, which sparked friction between Ter Stegen and the club. Flick has been clear in his selection policy, consistently stating that Garcia is his first choice, limiting Ter Stegen to a single appearance since regaining fitness in December—a Copa del Rey victory against Guadalajara.

Reports suggest that the club was open to facilitating Ter Stegen’s departure during the current January transfer window. The goalkeeper is eager for regular first-team action to secure his place in the Germany squad for the upcoming World Cup. However, this new setback could jeopardize any potential exit.

The severity of Ter Stegen’s injury remains uncertain, as does its connection to his previous knee surgery. Any extended absence would likely hinder a move this month, as passing a medical at a new club would become increasingly difficult.

Amid the disruptions surrounding Yamal and Ter Stegen, there was a positive development for Flick: Ronald Araujo participated in the training session with the group, demonstrating his ability to cope with physical demands as he nears the end of his recovery process.

The Uruguayan defender has been gradually reintegrating, but despite his presence on the pitch, he will not feature in the semi-final. Flick confirmed to the media that Araujo is not yet ready for competitive play, prioritizing his long-term health over a rushed return for the Super Cup. For now, the focus remains on finalizing the starting XI while the medical staff work diligently to ensure their teenage star can join them.