Barcelona's goalkeeper Ter Stegen has revealed upcoming back surgery, anticipated to require around three months for recuperation.
Marc-André ter Stegen, the goalkeeper for Barcelona and the German national team, will be out of action for approximately three months following a scheduled back surgery, as announced by the player and confirmed by Barcelona's medical team and external experts.
Ter Stegen's prolonged absence presents a significant challenge for Barcelona, given his role as the first-choice goalkeeper and captain. The Spanish football club has two main options to cover the goalkeeping duties during his recovery period.
New signing Joan García is expected to assume the starting goalkeeper position as a long-term replacement for Ter Stegen during this time. García, who recently joined Barcelona, is highly regarded as a promising talent and could make his debut as the first-choice goalkeeper.
Another backup option is Wojciech Szczęsny, who recently renewed his contract after a successful prior season with Barcelona, during which he helped the team win three trophies. Szczęsny's experience and proven track record make him a reliable option to step in as needed.
The decision for surgical intervention was made after consulting with Barcelona's medical staff and invited specialists. Previously, German media reported that Ter Stegen missed the start of preseason training due to back problems. Conservative treatment for Ter Stegen's back pain has not been effective, leading to the decision for surgery.
The 33-year-old Ter Stegen is expected to return to action in the winter months. During his absence, Barcelona will rely primarily on Joan García and Wojciech Szczęsny to cover goalkeeping duties.
Elsewhere in the transfer market, Napoli could potentially pursue a transfer for Raheem Sterling if their deal with Ndombele fails, according to Corriere dello Sport. Meanwhile, striker Alexander Isak has expressed a desire to leave Newcastle this summer. The salary of Marcus Rashford at Barcelona remains unknown.
[1] Barcelona Official Statement: Marc-André ter Stegen to Undergo Back Surgery [2] Source: Mundo Deportivo [3] Corriere dello Sport: Napoli Could Pursue Raheem Sterling Transfer [4] The Athletic: Alexander Isak Wants to Leave Newcastle This Summer [5] Salary details for Marcus Rashford at Barcelona are not currently available.
- In the wake of Ter Stegen's surgery, Barcelona might look beyond goalkeeping duties, exploring potential reinforcements in areas like science-led health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, and therapies-and-treatments to support the team during his recovery.ter Stegen's surgery could spark an interest in the sports field for technology-driven health solutions, given the growing emphasis on player care and well-being.With Ter Stegen's exit paving the way for new blood in the Barcelona squad, bookmakers might see an opportunity to predict potential transfer deals or re-adjust odds for upcoming sports competitions as a result.
