Barcelona boss Hansi Flick confirms Champions League decision after UEFA rule dilemma

Hansi Flick has confirmed that will remain Barcelona's goalkeeper in the after rules over bringing back . Barca captain Ter Stegen recently returned to full training to step-up his recovery from a , after which Szczesny .

The international is free to return in but the Champions League is a different story. UEFA say that if Barcelona want Ter Stegen to play in Europe, they'll have to de-register his direct replacement, Szczesny.

After biding his time behind academy product Inaki Pena, the goalkeeper was installed Barca's No.1 in January and has since been an unlikely hero for the treble-chasing side. Szczesny, 35, helped Barcelona lift the on Saturday, beating arch rivals in a domestic cup final for the .

Ter Stegen was named on the bench at the weekend for the first time since his injury and the 33-year-old will stay there for Wednesday's Champions League semi-final first leg at home to . Asked if there was a chance that Ter Stegen could play, Flick told a pre-match news conference: "No, Tek (Szczesny) will play in the Champions League, it's clear.

"And we're thinking about maybe a change in LaLiga one day, we will see. But it's the next situation. Now Tek will play in the Champions League."

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Szczesny previously insisted that he'd have no qualms if Ter Stegen were to get the nod for their remaining Champions League fixtures, acknowledging that he'd benefitted from his absence. Ter Stegen suffered a complete rupture of the patella tendon in September and while Pena kept the gloves until January, Szczesny now has them.

He and his team-mates were forced to play 120 minutes against Real Madrid, as Jules Kounde's extra-time winner completed a comeback after Barca had squandered their own lead in normal time. Inter played the following day, losing 1-0 to at San Siro, a result which allowed title rivals to move into first place in .

Unlike Inter, are still on for the treble this season, having enjoyed an outstanding first campaign under manager and Germany assistant coach Flick. "What I can say is that all the players are focused and want to reach the final," the German said.

Who'll reach the Champions League final - Barcelona or Inter Milan? Give us your prediction in the .

"The win against Madrid is important for our emotions and can help us keep pushing. I think we can reach the final. They'll give it their all, too."

Flick added: "Inter will be very difficult; they're one of the best defences in Europe. They have a great midfield and the two strikers are very good. But also the transition they make is very dangerous. So they defend good, but also attack. We have to be ready.

"Today we met and talked about what we need to change. They'll have five players in midfield, and we'll have to protect the spaces. It's very important for us to keep possession and reduce errors, they have automatisms, it's very important. We have to be very focused on the ball, as well as defence."

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