Barcelona: Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to undergo back surgery on a long-term problem and will miss three months as a result, the Germany international said on Thursday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, who is expected to become the team's first choice, with Wojciech Szczesny as back-up. Ter Stegen expressed his disappointment on social media network Instagram, 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."
Ter Stegen further explained, "After intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery." He mentioned that after his last operation on his back, he returned to the pitch after 66 days. However, this time, the doctors believe about three months will be necessary as a precaution to avoid any risks.
Spanish media reported that Barcelona were hoping to sell Ter Stegen, 33, who signed for the club in 2014, to help register new signings Garcia and Marcus Rashford. Last summer, a long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen allowed Barcelona to use a La Liga loophole to register playmaker Dani Olmo on a temporary basis after he signed from RB Leipzig.
Ter Stegen added, "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."