Ter Stegen returns to Barca training amid uncertain future

Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen returned to Barcelona team training on Monday after months on the sidelines but faces an uncertain future for club and country.

Spanish reports said that Ter Stegen trained with the other goalkeepers Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny in his return from back surgery in summer.

Garcia arrived in summer and is the new number one between the posts at the La Liga champions and leaders and he was praised by coach Hansi Flick in the run-up to Tuesday's match against Atletico Madrid.

"Joan Garcia has a lot of potential and great quality both in saving and with his feet. He gives us a lot of confidence," Flick said.

Cash-strapped Barca reportedly want to get Ter Stegen off the payroll after 11 years, potentially in January. He has a contract until 2028.

A move away could be in Ter Stegen's interest because Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has said he will only take him to next year's World Cup if he plays on a regular basis again.

Oliver Baumann has deputized for Ter Stegen in recent months and there is also a debate whether Manuel Neuer should be asked to come out of national team retirement if Ter Stegen isn't in the World Cup squad.