There are no official the alarm ringing at Barça, but concern is evident in the offices. Marc-André ter Stegen still isn't training with the group and the secrecy surrounding his physical condition has started to raise suspicions. This isn't just any discomfort.
During the past week, he hasn't been seen participating in any full session. He also isn't expected to travel on the Asian tour. Most concerning: neither the club nor the player have given a convincing public explanation.
Gerard Romero focused this morning on the TV3 program "Tot es mou," hosted by Helena Garcia Melero. According to his sources, the problem is in the German goalkeeper's back. It's not new.
Ter Stegen won't leave... but not for technical reasons
Unlike what had been speculated in previous weeks, Barça isn't looking to sell Ter Stegen. Not because he's untransferable, but because, as Romero has reported, the goalkeeper isn't in a condition to leave. Physically, he isn't well.
His back is acting up again. He already underwent surgery last year and his recovery was long and delicate. Now, after a strain suffered at the end of last season, the goalkeeper is once again experiencing discomfort that prevents him from performing at 100%.
Silently, both the player and the club have chosen discretion. But the signs are clear: he hasn't trained all week and his absence from the tour is final.
Flick doesn't see it clearly
Hansi Flick already knows the extent of the problem. He doesn't like what he sees. Not only because of the goalkeeper's physical condition, but also because of the limitations imposed by LaLiga's financial fair play.
Under normal conditions, if Ter Stegen were to leave, his €12 million ($12 million) gross salary would free up enough wage space.
The arrival of a goalkeeper like Joan García with a much lower salary (about €3 million ($3 million)) would allow the club to balance its accounts and pursue new signings.
But as of today, Joan García can't be registered. There's no room. If Ter Stegen doesn't leave, the club doesn't get the space it needs.
Joan Laporta, tied hand and foot
Laporta doesn't want to force the situation, but he's starting to understand that Barça's sports planning could be affected. Ter Stegen has a contract, earns as one of the captains, and doesn't have offers.
The medical situation is the main obstacle. Without clarity about his physical condition, no serious club will bet on signing him. At Barça, they're already starting to accept that they'll have to count on him, at least until the winter transfer window.
A mutually agreed departure would allow Joan García to be registered and solve the financial fit cleanly. But Ter Stegen's back complicates everything. Flick doesn't hide his concern.