Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has suffered a significant setback after undergoing surgery for a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee.
The injury, which occurred during a LaLiga match against Villarreal, is expected to keep him out of action for at least eight months.
The news of ter Stegen’s injury has sent shockwaves through both Barcelona and the German national team. The 32-year-old shot-stopper has been a key figure for both club and country, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt.
ter Stegen’s injury is particularly unfortunate given the recent retirement of Manuel Neuer from the German national team.The absence of both Neuer and ter Stegen leaves Germany with a significant void in their goalkeeping department.
Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed his disappointment at the news of ter Stegen’s injury. “The news of Marc’s injury was a big shock for us,” Nagelsmann said. “We will miss him a lot on and off the pitch. We wish Marc all the best… we will always be there for him on his way back.”
With ter Stegen sidelined for an extended period, Germany will have to rely on their backup goalkeepers. Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann and Stuttgart’s Alexander Nubel have both been called up to the national team in recent months, while Fulham’s Bernd Leno is another option.
Germany’s Nations League campaign is currently underway, and the team will be hoping to navigate the challenges of playing without their first-choice goalkeeper. Their upcoming matches against Bosnia and Netherlands will be crucial in determining their chances of qualifying for the final tournament.
