Villarreal vs Barcelona Goalkeepers to face each other on Sunday

Injuries have curtailed Sergio Asenjo of late, multiple knee issues have set the Spanish stopper back however he has been offered constant support by Marc-Andre ter Stegen, and the two will face each other as the Villarreal goalkeeper makes his return against Barcelona on Sunday.

Asenjo played a full 90 minutes in the Copa del Rey against Ponferradina, making it only a matter of time before he would be granted a full LaLiga return.

Suffering no fewer than four knee injuries with the last coming on February 26, Asenjo kept in regular contact with the German during his time out with ter Stegen offering support and encouragement.

Ter Stegen was moved by the story of the Spaniard and has admired his repeated willingness to come back to the game that they both share a love of.

Whilst his childhood idol was Oliver Kahn, the former Borussia Monchengladbach star now holds Villarreal's first-choice as an inspiration, especially when it comes to working through a rehabilitation program.

Soon after his most recent surgery, Barcelona's goalkeeper posted the following message to his opposite number.

"Injuries happen when you least expect them," he explained. "You have shown before that you are far from finished.

"You will return once again."

By the time Asenjo was training lightly again in July, yet another message of support was forthcoming.

"It's great to see you working again," stated ter Stegen.

"Good luck with your recovery. We have a match together in December."

That match is now here and the two goalkeepers are sure to share an embrace before kick-off in an image that will highlight the true kinship between fellow professionals, particularly in such an isolated position on the pitch.