Claudio Bravo poised to replace injured Barcelona keeper

Veteran goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has expressed his willingness to serve as a temporary replacement for Barcelona’s injured shot-stopper, Marc-André ter Stegen, according to a report by News360 Nigeria on Monday.

Ter Stegen sustained a significant injury during Barcelona’s La Liga clash against Villarreal on Sunday, forcing him off the pitch. Backup goalkeeper Iñaki Peña came on as his replacement. The injury is expected to keep Ter Stegen sidelined for a prolonged period.

Despite announcing his retirement in August after a remarkable career spanning Colo Colo, Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, and Real Betis, Bravo, now 41, is open to returning to the field if Barcelona reaches out.

Barcelona confirmed Ter Stegen’s condition in a statement on Monday, noting that the German international had to be swiftly substituted due to visible pain. The severity of the injury could potentially leave a temporary gap in the squad, leading to speculation about Bravo’s return.

Iñaki Peña, 25, is currently the second-choice goalkeeper and signed a contract extension in 2023 that keeps him at the club until June 2026, with a buyout clause of 400 million euros.

However, with Ter Stegen’s extended absence, Bravo’s experience could provide a valuable stopgap solution for the Catalan club.

Barcelona later confirmed that Ter Stegen suffered a “complete rupture” of the patella tendon in his right knee, requiring surgery on Monday.

He was stretchered off after falling awkwardly while attempting to clear a high cross just before halftime. Surgery was scheduled for Monday after further tests confirmed the severity of the injury.

Meanwhile, Bravo, who was in Barcelona from 2014 to 2016, announced his retirement on August 27 through social media.

Reflecting on his career, the Chilean goalkeeper started at Colo-Colo before moving to Real Sociedad.

After eight years in San Sebastián, he joined Barcelona, where he competed with Ter Stegen for two seasons.

In 2016, Bravo transferred to Manchester City, followed by a move to Real Betis after four years in England.

During his two years at Barcelona, Bravo played 75 competitive matches and won nine major titles, including two league and cup doubles, the Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup.

As noted in an August 28 statement from Barcelona, “In his two years at Barça, he played 75 competitive fixtures and won no fewer than nine major titles, including the league and cup double in both years, as well as the Champions League and the Clubs World Cup.”