Last year, a lower back injury to Marc-André Ter Stegen gave Claudio Bravo the chance to claim Barcelona's job as the top-choice goalkeeper. This year, an injury to Bravo's left calf could give the German shot-stopper the opportunity to become Luis Enrique's first option.
According to Bravo's agent, his client will be out for the next three weeks. The 2015 Copa América champion with Chile was not called up by coach Jorge Sampaoli in order to grant him some rest, but Bravo could not recover and he will be left out of the team's squad.
"I spoke with him earlier this morning, and he seems to be calm. It will take him three weeks to get back in shape, but the team will perform a series of tests to be sure about how much time he will be on the sidelines," agent Cristian Ogalde indicated.
Bravo was key for Barcelona's La Liga glory last season, keeping 23 clean sheets in 37 games. Considering last season's final games and his two performances this year, Bravo carried a 737-minute streak without conceding a goal. Bravo only gave away 19 goals last season.
The Chilean's injury will give Marc-André Ter Stegen the chance to make his debut with Los Blaugranas in a La Liga match. The German shot-stopper performed for Los Culés last season only in Champions League and Copa del Rey matches, conceding 16 goals in 21 games.
