Barcelona confirm Marc-Andre ter Stegen captaincy U-turn as German goalkeeper signs injury form after severe dispute over surgery

Ter Stegen was temporarily stripped of his captaincy after declining to sign a medical report authorisation for La Liga following his recent surgery. The disagreement escalated into a disciplinary case, further straining relations between the goalkeeper and Barcelona. After agreeing to cooperate and sign the necessary form, the dispute has now been officially closed as per Barcelona's statement.

On Friday evening, Barcelona announced: "The club announces that the player Marc-Andre ter Stegen has signed the authorisation necessary for the club to send La Liga the medical report relating to his surgery.

"The disciplinary case has been closed and the player is captain of the first team once again with immediate effect."

The resolution ends a tense stand-off between one of Barcelona’s most senior players and the club’s management. Ter Stegen’s form has consistently been a sore point for the Catalan side as the German has failed to turn up in big games for the last few years. However, the German's injury will now help Barcelona register their new goalkeeper Joan Garcia.

Hansi Flick and co. will now focus on preparations for the new season, with the players expected to vote on their leadership group before the campaign begins. Ter Stegen will remain captain for now, but his long-term role could depend on the outcome of that vote. Meanwhile, the club continues to work on squad strengthening ahead of the transfer window deadline.