Marc-Andre ter Stegen is unlikely to play again for FC Barcelona this season after he suffered a serious knee injury last night during the 5-1 win over Villarreal.
The Blaugrana confirmed that the German international has completely ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee and will be undergoing surgery today.
Following that, it is expected that the goalkeeper could be out of action for almost eight months, effectively bringing down the curtains on his season.
Given the situation, Barcelona are assessing the possibility of signing a replacement goalkeeper, either right away by bringing in a free agent or in January.
Arnau Tenas an option
To that end, SPORT reports that former La Masia starlet and PSG shot-stopper Arnau Tenas could be an option that Barcelona consider in the January window.
Tenas, 23, was rated very highly at La Masia but left Barça last year after the club failed to renew his contract.
Having signed for PSG as a free agent, the Spaniard has found opportunities hard to come by with Gianluigi Donnarumma the undisputed starter in goal.
Indeed, Tenas has played just six games for Les Parisiens, none of which have come in the ongoing season.
As such, his name is said to be doing the rounds in the Barça environment as they consider options to replace Ter Stegen.
Tenas a Blaugrana at heart
In a recent interview, Tenas blamed Barcelona for his exit last year, stating that the club did not propose any contract offer for him.
“I left Barça because the club didn’t offer me a contract renewal,” he said.
However, he did insist that he would always be Cule at heart and did not rule out a future return to Barcelona.
“Yes, why not? Barcelona will always be my home, hopefully,” Tenas remarked.
“But what if at PSG I feel super comfortable? I will continue because I love PSG. You can never close any door.”
Tenas’ contract with PSG runs until the summer of 2026. Nothing is concrete from Barcelona’s side at this point apart from his name being considered as a potential option.
It remains to be seen how the Catalans opt to proceed in their plans to replace Ter Stegen.