Trouble brewing at Barcelona as goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen trains away from Hansi Flick's squad following arrival of Joan Garcia

Ter Stegen was not seen training with his team-mates upon their return to training, with Catalan reporter Gerard Romero posting a tweet that said the 33-year-old was working alone in the gym, with "no injury and no statement" from the club explaining the player's whereabouts.

It's the latest development in an ongoing dispute that threatens to sour the club captain's departure from the club. Ter Stegen is adamant that we wants to stay and fight for his place, while manager Hansi Flick is believed to be insistent on playing the recently-signed Joan Garcia. It is believed the club are waiting for Ter Stegen to pursue a move, so he can continue to push for a starting spot for his native Germany at World Cup 2026.

The German stopper was promoted to club captain last season, but had a minimal role in the club's treble-winning season after rupturing his patellar tendon in a match against Villarreal last September. That injury, and his hefty wages, may well be factors in his compatriot Flick's decision to move on. The 24-year-old Garcia joined from inter-city rivals Espanyol for €25m in June, and is under a six-year contract.

Despite his apparent insistence that he will stay and push to regain hius place between the sticks, Ter Stegen has been linked with a move to Monaco. He may well be forced into a difficult decision. Stay at Barcelona and see out the remainder of his admittedly lucrative contract in exile from his team-mates, or leave for a lesser-fancied club in order to further his international career. After years of sitting behind Manuel Neuer in the international pecking order, the latter may become more attractive the longer this saga rolls on.