Barca can finally register Garcia as La Liga approve Ter Stegen report

 

Barcelona have received approval from La Liga to register goalkeeper Joan Garcia after the league confirmed that Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury meets the criteria for a long-term absence. The clearance came after La Liga’s medical commission verified the club’s medical report, visiting the training ground five days after its submission  later than the usual 48-hour protocol. Ter Stegen is expected to be sidelined for around four months due to a pre-season injury, allowing Garcia to be added to the squad under special rules.

Barcelona had initially been unable to register Garcia due to financial fair play restrictions. The situation became more complicated when Ter Stegen insisted his injury would only keep him out for three months and refused to authorise the medical report. This dispute reportedly led to him being temporarily stripped of the captaincy. Without Garcia, Barcelona faced starting the season with only one registered goalkeeper, Iñaki Peña, whose transfer to Como was blocked by manager Hansi Flick. The approval ends Barcelona’s immediate goalkeeping crisis, giving them two available keepers for the start of the La Liga season.

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The decision to allow Joan Garcia’s registration gives Barcelona short-term stability in goal and ends a tense standoff involving Ter Stegen. The injury dispute highlighted ongoing issues between the player and the club, but a compromise was reached to move forward. Garcia, who had been waiting for clearance to play competitively, can now be selected for Barcelona’s opening league match this week.

However, the club’s registration problems are not over. Barcelona are also attempting to register Marcus Rashford, who arrived on loan from Manchester United. President Joan Laporta has admitted there is a possibility Rashford will not be cleared in time for the season opener. This situation reflects the ongoing financial challenges Barcelona face under La Liga’s strict spending limits, which have already delayed or blocked player registrations in recent seasons.

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For Garcia, this clearance marks the beginning of his opportunity to prove himself in competitive matches for Barcelona. For the club, it provides breathing room in a key position, but the pressure remains high to resolve other squad registration issues before the season begins. The episode also underscores the importance of squad depth and compliance with league regulations in Barcelona’s current circumstances.