Barcelona have removed goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen from his role as club captain amid ongoing disciplinary action against the Germany international.
The 33-year-old, who last featured in June for his national team, underwent back surgery at the end of July.
Reports suggested the rift with the Catalan club stems from his refusal to grant permission for his medical details to be shared with La Liga.
Such information could determine whether Barcelona are allowed to register new players, depending on the length of his absence.
Ter Stegen had recently announced on social media that he expected to be sidelined for three months.
However, La Liga’s rules only classify a player as a long-term absentee if they are ruled out for at least four months.
This summer, the Spanish champions have strengthened their squad with the signing of goalkeeper, Joan García from Espanyol and the loan acquisition of England forward Marcus Rashford from Manchester United.
In an official statement, Barcelona said, “Following the disciplinary proceedings opened against Marc-André ter Stegen, and until the matter is fully resolved, the club, by mutual agreement with the sporting department and coaching staff, has decided to temporarily relieve him of his duties as first-team captain.”
Vice-captain Ronald Araújo will step in as skipper during this period.
Since arriving from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014, Ter Stegen has played over 400 games for Barcelona, winning the Champions League, six La Liga titles, and multiple domestic trophies.