'I feel completely ready' - Wojciech Szczesny opens up on Barcelona debut delay as he continues to await maiden appearance for La Liga giants

Szczesny retired at the end of the 2023/24 season with Juventus as he looked to finish his career on a high. However, just two months into the start of the season, the Polish goalkeeper was approached by Barcelona to reverse his retirement decision as they looked to sign a goalkeeper outside the designated transfer window following Marc-Andre ter Stegen's ACL injury, and only had the option to sign a free agent. The Poland international did so and signed a contract with the Catalan side until the end of the season but has yet to make his debut under Flick.

Following Ter Stegen's injury, backup goalkeeper Inaki Pena got the nod to start in Barcelona's goal and it seemed the Spaniard would only play the part of the starter for Flick's side until Szczesny got back into shape. However, Pena has been spectacular in goal for Barcelona as his sweeping abilities have come to use several times with the Catalan side playing with a super-high defensive line. The former Poland international is yet to make his debut for Barcelona and has now opened up on his delayed start.

Speaking to Eleven Sports, Szczesny said: “When will I make my debut? I don’t know. I said from the beginning, I had to get back in shape first, and that was the most important thing.

“Now I feel completely ready to play, physically and mentally, but I understand what’s happening.

“If I was manager, I would have played the same amount of games as I have done so far, It’s difficult to be frustrated because I agree with the situation 100%.”

It is expected that Szczesny will now play the role that was supposed to be fulfilled by Pena this season and will likely be a starter for the Catalan side's Copa del Rey clashes and could feature in the Spanish Super Cup clashes in Saudi Arabia in January.