Barca Goalkeeper Ter Stegen To Undergo Back Surgery, Out For Three Months

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is set to undergo back surgery to address a long-term issue and is expected to be sidelined for approximately three months, the Germany international confirmed on Thursday.

The 33-year-old took to Instagram to share the update: “Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically, I feel in very good shape, although unfortunately I am not free from pain,” he wrote.

“After intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery.”

“After my last operation on my back, I returned to the pitch after 66 days — almost two months… This time, the doctors believe about three months will be necessary as a precaution to avoid any risks.”

Barcelona signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia during the summer transfer window, and he is expected to step in as the team’s new first-choice goalkeeper, with former Juventus and Arsenal shot-stopper Wojciech Szczesny serving as backup.

Spanish media have reported that Barcelona are exploring the possibility of selling Ter Stegen, who joined the club in 2014, to help facilitate the registration of new signings, including Garcia and forward Marcus Rashford.

Last summer, the club used a La Liga regulatory loophole — prompted by a long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen — to temporarily register Dani Olmo after his transfer from RB Leipzig.

Despite the setback, Ter Stegen remains optimistic: “Emotionally, it hurts a lot not being able to support the team during this time. Fortunately, the rehabilitation is manageable and the road back is clear,” he added.

“Don’t worry — I’ll be back.”

(AFP)