Wojciech Szczęsny is set to debut for Barcelona in Saturday’s Copa del Rey clash against UD Barbastro.
A Chance for Minutes in Lower-Stakes Match
Wojciech Szczęsny is poised to debut for Barcelona this Saturday in a Copa del Rey match against fourth-division UD Barbastro. Reports from Spain suggest head coach Hansi Flick will use the game to give opportunities to players with limited recent playtime. Szczęsny, the only squad member yet to debut, is expected to start.
From Retirement to Emergency Signing
The 34-year-old Polish goalkeeper joined Barcelona in October after previously announcing his retirement. His unexpected return came after Barcelona’s primary goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, suffered a season-threatening knee injury. With limited options, Barcelona signed Szczęsny under La Liga’s injury replacement rules, offering a short-term contract.
A Storied Career Reignited
Szczęsny boasts an illustrious career, having played for Arsenal, Juventus, and the Polish national team, where he earned 84 caps. The game against Barbastro could mark the beginning of a new chapter in his journey as Barcelona faces a packed schedule, including the Spanish Super Cup in Riyadh next week.