Barcelona have temporarily stripped Marc-Andre ter Stegen of the club’s captaincy following disciplinary proceedings against the Germany international.
Ter Stegen last played a match while on international duty with Germany, playing the duration of their Nations League third-place play-off defeat to France.
The 33-year-old missed much of the 2024-25 campaign for Hansi Flick’s side after rupturing his patellar tendon in a LaLiga clash with Villarreal back in September.
And reports have emerged that Barcelona’s decision has come after Ter Stegen’s unwillingness to share his medical data with La Liga, which could allow the Blaugrana to register new players ahead of the new campaign.
Barcelona could have at least 50% of Ter Stegen’s salary freed up for registration purposes under LaLiga’s injury provision, a rule that applies if a player is sidelined for at least four months, which is considered a long-term injury.
However, Ter Stegen announced on social media that he would be out of action for three months, prompting the LaLiga champions to consider legal action against the player.