Marc-André ter Stegen Confirms Surgery And Dismisses Barcelona Exit Speculation

‎Barcelona captain and Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen announced on Thursday via Instagram that he will be sidelined for three months while recovering from back surgery.

‎The 33-year-old also missed seven months last year due to a knee injury, which required surgery before he made his return in May.

‎Additionally, he had back surgery in 2023, which kept him out of action for more than two months.

‎Barcelona had initially considered allowing Ter Stegen to leave this summer following the signing of García, but the player was hesitant to move elsewhere.

‎The club’s plan is for Wojciech Szczęsny, who recently renewed his contract for two more years, to serve as backup for García.

‎”Today is a personally difficult day for me,” Ter Stegen said.

‎”Physically and athletically, I feel in very good shape, although unfortunately, I am not free from pain.

‎”After intensive discussions with the 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; this time, the doctors believe that about three months will be necessary as a precaution, to avoid any risks.

‎”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.”

‎Meanwhile, Ter Stegen’s current goal is to regain his fitness and compete for the starting goalkeeper position, with the hope of also being Germany’s goalkeeper at next summer’s World Cup.

‎Last season, Ter Stegen was sidelined for most of the time due to a knee injury, which led Barça to bring in Szczęsny, who had come out of retirement to join the team.