FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen will be sidelined for at least three months as he prepares for surgery to address a back injury. His ongoing back pain prevented him from participating in training after the team returned to practice last week.
On Thursday, the 33-year-old shared a touching message on his Instagram story, reflecting on his injuries. He expressed his deep affection for the club and its supporters, noting:
“I feel physically capable, but unfortunately, I am not free from pain. After extensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and outside specialists, we concluded that surgery is the fastest and safest route to a full recovery,” stated Ter Stegen. “In my previous back surgery, I was back on the field in about two months, but this time the medical advice suggests a three-month recovery to avoid taking any risks.”
“Emotionally, it pains me not to be able to support the team during this time, but I am hopeful about my rehabilitation," he added. "I will keep you updated on my recovery, and I sincerely thank you all for your support. Don’t worry, I will return!”
This news comes on the heels of Ter Stegen’s limited participation in La Liga, where he played just 28 matches due to a knee injury, although he still managed to achieve 15 clean sheets. His absence has prompted Barcelona to strengthen their roster by signing Wojciech Szczęsny from his retirement. Despite these challenges, Barcelona finished the La Liga season with a record of 28 wins, 4 losses, and 6 draws, won the Copa del Rey, and reached the semi-finals of the Champions League.
With Ter Stegen unavailable for several matches, the team will rely on Szczęsny and Joan García. Szczęsny joined from rivals Espanyol for a fee of 25 million euros.
Ter Stegen joined Barcelona in 2014 for 12 million euros and has been the starting goalkeeper since 2016, accumulating 422 appearances and 17 trophies during his tenure. Barcelona is set to return to the field on July 31 for a friendly match against FC Seoul in South Korea.
Fan Take: This news is significant for soccer fans as Ter Stegen’s absence could impact Barcelona’s performance during a critical phase of the season. His recovery will be closely watched, as his return is crucial for the team’s aspirations both domestically and in European competitions.
