Yesterday, Barca could confirm that Ter Stegen will undergo surgery for an injury to his lower back. The German is therefore reported out for a good while, but the club reportedly feels confident that he will be ready for the knockout round in the Champions League.
The 30-year-old Marc-André ter Stegen has been out with a lower back injury since the international break three weeks ago. And since there have been no major signs of improvement, the goalkeeper has now decided to have back surgery.
The operation could reportedly keep him out for up to three months, meaning he is in danger of missing the last 16 of the Champions League, which starts next February. However, the Catalans reportedly feel confident that the goalkeeper will probably be ready, even though the opposite has been rumoured.
This is written by journalist Javi Miguel from the newspaper AS, who also adds that Barca hopes to have Ter Stegen back in less than two months.
Until then, the head coach must put his trust in Iñaki Peña, who has also shown great form in the German’s absence. The Spaniard especially had a firefight against Atlético Madrid on Sunday, where he ensured the team a victory with two important saves at the end of the match.
Barca’s goals therefore appear to be in safe hands, but as the season draws to a close, it will be good for Xavi to have Ter Stegen back in the starting line-up. The German has been one of Barca’s best over recent seasons and with the huge pressure on the team, especially in the Champions League, the captain’s presence is absolutely essential.
