ANKARA

Barcelona’s German international goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen has made a surprise return to the squad for the Copa del Rey final, the club confirmed Friday, boosting the team ahead of their high-stakes encounter with Real Madrid.

The 32-year-old shot-stopper, who suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee during a La Liga match against Villarreal in September, was previously expected to miss the remainder of the season. However, Barcelona announced on their official website that Ter Stegen has now fully recovered and resumed training.

He will be available for selection in Saturday’s final, as Barça aim to extend their record as the most successful team in the competition's history. A win would secure the Catalan giants their 32nd Copa del Rey title.

Despite the positive news on Ter Stegen, Barcelona still face injury concerns. The club confirmed that Robert Lewandowski, Alejandro Balde, Marc Bernal, and Marc Casado will miss the final due to ongoing fitness issues.