Marc-André ter Stegen to Undergo Back Surgery
Barcelona’s goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen announced on Thursday that he is scheduled to undergo back surgery, an operation that will sideline him for approximately three months. The 33-year-old German international has been struggling with back pain and has been unable to participate in training sessions with his team since preseason began last week.
Decision for Surgery
Last week, it was reported by ESPN that ter Stegen was contemplating surgical intervention to address his ongoing issues. He later confirmed this decision, stating,
“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.”
After thorough discussions with both Barcelona’s medical team and outside specialists, ter Stegen concluded that surgery is necessary to ensure a complete recovery.
Rehabilitation and Emotional Impact
He referenced his previous back surgery, which allowed him to return to play in 66 days. However, his current medical team has advised him that a more cautious three-month rehabilitation period would be prudent, minimizing any potential risks of further injury. He expressed his emotional struggle with not being able to support his team during this time, although he remains optimistic about his rehabilitation and return to the pitch.
Team Dynamics and Future Goals
The timing of this surgery comes at a challenging moment for ter Stegen, particularly with the recent acquisition of Joan García from Espanyol for €25 million. Sources have indicated that FC Barcelona had been open to letting ter Stegen leave this summer, yet he chose to remain with the club. With García joining the squad, the expectation is for Wojciech Szczęsny, who recently extended his contract by two years, to serve as his backup.
Despite this competition, ter Stegen’s goal is to recover fully, reclaim his spot as the starting goalkeeper for Barcelona, and potentially represent Germany in next summer’s World Cup. His previous season was marred by a knee injury, which was a key factor behind Barça’s decision to bring Szczęsny out of retirement to provide support in goal.
