MADRID, Sept. 24 (Xinhua) -- Marc-Andre ter Stegen's season-ending knee injury leaves FC Barcelona with Inaki Pena as their first choice in goal for the foreseeable future and B-team goalkeeper Ander Astralaga as back-up.

Pena made 17 first-team appearances last season as Ter Stegen was again injured, and although he wasn't totally convincing in his defense, he played at a time when Barca were struggling as a team and he was left exposed on numerous occasions.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Astralaga has played just 23 times for Barcelona Atletic in the third tier of the Spanish game, with no competitive first-team experience.

Although coach Hansi Flick said on Sunday that he didn't want to discuss a new signing out of respect for Ter Stegen, La Liga rules would allow them to bring in a goalkeeper who is currently out of contract to cover for the loss of the German.

There are several experienced goalkeepers in this situation, among them is former Manchester City, Barcelona and Real Betis goalkeeper Claudio Bravo.

The 41-year-old, who spent two years at the Camp Nou, announced his retirement at the end of August, but has also commented that "if Barca call me, then I'll go." The question is, would Bravo be able to perform regularly as first choice, or be back up to Pena?

Former Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Keylor Navas is also currently without a club after leaving the French club at the end of June.

The 37-year-old has been linked with a move to the Saudi Arabian league, but the fact his agent Jorge Mendes has a good relationship with both Barca president Joan Laporta and sporting director Deco, could be a big factor in his favor.

Former Arsenal, Roma and Juventus goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny has also been mentioned in the press as possible cover for Ter Stegen. Although the Polish international is only 34 years old, he retired at the end of last season, explaining that even though physically he was still in condition to play, after 18 years of playing top-flight football his heart "wasn't in it," and that he preferred to dedicate time to his family.

A final option could be Edgar Badia, who has played for Elche in the Spanish top-flight and spent last season with Zaragoza. The agile 32-year-old is also currently without a club and could be a 'low-cost' option for Barcelona if they opt to go into the market. Enditem

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