Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to be out for three months after announcing he will undergo back surgery. The Barcelona goalkeeper confirmed the news on social media.
What happened?
The 33-year-old has been dealing with back pain and after intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the fastest and safest way to fully recover is through back surgery.
The German international has always been determined to stay at Barca, despite the club's desire to sell him this summer to make space for other signings.
Why it matters for Marc-Andre ter Stegen
Ter Stegen's absence will be felt, as Barcelona only have one goalkeeper registered in La Liga and eligible to play, Inaki Pena, who is expected to leave the club before the end of the transfer window.
The Spanish club still have to register Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny, who signed a new two-year deal with the club in July.
What comes next?
Ter Stegen will keep fans updated on his recovery, and the path to return is clear, with the goalkeeper expected to be back on the field in about three months.
The goalkeeper missed the majority of the 2024/25 campaign due to an anterior cruciate ligament injury sustained in September, which led to Barcelona signing Wojciech Szczesny the following month.
Ter Stegen returned to partial training at the end of March and made his first appearance since the injury in May.
The goalkeeper still has three years left on his Barcelona contract and is due to receive a substantial amount over that time after agreeing to defer wages during the Covid-19 pandemic.
On 24 July, Ter Stegen announced the news of his back surgery, which will keep him out for up to three months, a significant blow to Barcelona's goalkeeper situation.
The club's fans, known as cules, will be waiting anxiously for Ter Stegen's return, as he has made 422 appearances in his 11 seasons at the Spanish club.
Ter Stegen joined Barcelona from Borussia Monchengladbach in 2014 and has been a key player for the club, helping them win numerous titles, including La Liga and the Champions League.
The goalkeeper's determination to stay at Barca has been evident, despite the club's desire to sell him, and his fans will be hoping for a speedy recovery,
And a successful return to the field, where he can continue to make a significant impact for the club,
with his contract set to run until 2028, and a substantial amount of money still to be earned,
the German international will be focused on getting back to full fitness as soon as possible,
so he can help Barcelona achieve their goals, and make a strong push for the top honors in La Liga and the Champions League,
with the club's fans eagerly awaiting his return, and the chance to see him back in action,