Barcelona supporters eager to see Wojciech Szczęsny don the club’s iconic colours will need to wait a little longer, according to reports from Diario Sport. The Polish goalkeeper, who signed with the Catalan side in early October, has yet to make his first appearance for the team. Despite initial expectations that he would quickly step into the starting role following Marc-André ter Stegen’s injury, Szczęsny has found himself on the sidelines.
The 33-year-old, who had a distinguished career at Juventus, has been training with the squad but has not yet seen action in a competitive match. Barcelona fans were hoping to see him bring his experience and leadership to the team, but it seems the wait will continue for now.
Peña’s Performances Keep Szczęsny on the Sidelines
Though many expected Szczęsny to slot directly into the starting lineup, manager Hansi Flick has instead placed his trust in Iñaki Peña, who has impressed between the sticks in recent weeks. Peña, 24, has made several key saves and showcased strong performances in La Liga and European competition, earning the continued confidence of the coaching staff.
Flick’s preference for Peña means Szczęsny’s opportunity to take the field in Barcelona colours will likely not come in the immediate future. While the Polish goalkeeper’s experience and pedigree remain unquestioned, Peña’s current form has made it difficult for Szczęsny to secure a starting role.
Szczęsny’s Debut Set for January 2025
With Iñaki Peña firmly established as the number one keeper, Szczęsny will have to bide his time before making his long-awaited debut. According to the report from Diario Sport, Barcelona fans can expect to see him in action for the first time during the team’s Copa del Rey match in January 2025.
This likely scenario would mean that Szczęsny’s first competitive appearance will come in the domestic cup competition rather than in La Liga or the Champions League. While this may be disappointing for those who were hoping for an earlier debut, it is a realistic timeline given the current competition for the goalkeeper position.
