Barcelona face major Champions League semi-final headache thanks to UEFA rules

Barcelona must axe unlikely hero if they want to play in the - after confirmed that their club captain was 'ready' to return. The news comes after Barca striker picked up an injury which is .

Ter Stegen, 32, has been out since September, having during a match against . The German goalkeeper suffered a complete rupture in the patella tendon, prompting Barca to sign Szczesny on an emergency transfer.

Former stop-stopper Szczesny just a few weeks earlier but . After biding his time behind academy product Inaki Pena, Szczesny became Flick's No.1 in January and went unbeaten in his first 22 games.

But now that Ter Stegen is back in full training, quadruple-hunting have a dilemma when it comes to European fixtures. rules state that in order for Ter Stegen to feature in the Champions League, Szczesny must de-registered from their squad.

"Once the injured or ill goalkeeper is fit to be fielded again, he can resume his position in place of his substitute," the statute reads. "The return of the original goalkeeper must be announced to the UEFA administration 24 hours before the next match in which the original goalkeeper is due to play."

READ MORE:

READ MORE:

The international has played a key role during their run to the semi-finals, where they'll face , pulling off crucial saves in a number of games. Ahead of Tuesday's match at home to Mallorca, Flick revealed that Ter Stegen can play again.

"He's ready, prepared," the Barca manager told reporters. "We'll talk about what we need to do. We'll decide, talking to him, when it's time to come back."

Who should Barcelona choose - Wojciech Szczesny or Marc-Andre ter Stegen? Give your pick in the .

Flick has refused to be drawn on which goalkeeper will be chosen for the remaining Champions League games but Szczesny himself would have no issue if Ter Stegen is handed the gloves. "I hope that if the decision goes the other way, Marc will understand, too," the 35-year-old said last week. "Whatever happens is up to Hansi, and we'll respect it."

Szczesny added of his fit-again team-mate: "He's been at a top level for a long time. He's won the Champions League and I haven't. I really admire him, so it doesn't make sense to compare us."

As for Lewandowski's injury, Flick was coy on a return date. His side face in the final on Saturday before another on May 11 which could go a long way to deciding which way the LaLiga goes.

Between those games, Barca play Inter twice. "We don't know yet how long it will be," Flick replied when asked about Lewandowski. "When he's ready, we'll happily welcome him back. There's no need to rush it."

and receive your daily dose of content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our .