Marc-André ter Stegen to undergo back surgery, out for three months

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has announced he will undergo back surgery following issues that have kept him away from the team’s preseason training sessions.

“This is a personally difficult day for me,” stated ter Stegen in his announcement. “Physically and athletically I feel in very good shape, however unfortunately I’m not free from pain.”

“After intensive discussions with the Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery. The doctors estimate about three months recovery time as a precautionary measure to avoid any risks.”

This situation presents a particular challenge for the 33-year-old keeper — considering Barcelona has recently signed Joan García from Espanyol for €25 million.

Despite facing competition from García and Wojciech Szczęsny, ter Stegen remains ambitious about reclaiming both his starting position at Barcelona and with the German national team ahead of next year’s World Cup.