Marc-Andre ter Stegen a doubt for Atletico Madrid clash

Marc-Andre ter Stegen left the German national team early after picking up a back injury. Despite early reports that the injury wasn't anything serious, the Barcelona goalkeeper has missed the matches against Rayo Vallecano and Porto.

Now, it seems like Ter Stegen may not be available for the Catalans' weekend fixture against Atletico Madrid.

According to a report from Barcelona-based outlet RAC1, Ter Stegen has it difficult to be available on Sunday as "the feelings are still not good."

Iñaki Peña has started in his place the last two games. The La Masia product came up big against Porto, denying the Portuguese side an equalizer. However, he could have done better in the Rayo Vallecano match where he was perhaps too slow to get up to deny Unai Lopez's opener.

All things considered, Peña has performed as well as expected and should he start, with all signs trending that way, it is going to be another difficult test for the 24-year-old.

Atletico Madrid, alongside Girona, is one of the in-form teams in La Liga with Antoine Griezmann seemingly finding a second life in his return to Los Colchoneros.

Defensively, Barcelona is not the same team from last season. The defense has already allowed as many goals this season as they did all of last and that's even with Ter Stegen in net for the majority of those games.

While Barcelona can count on a capable back-up, not having Ter Stegen at their disposal remains a significan blow to Xavi Hernandez. For a goalkeeper, a back injury isn't something to be taken lightly. With a few days left until the match, all Barcelona can hope for is the sensations improve and if he does miss the Atletico Madrid clash, he'll be available for another important match the week after against Girona.