FC Barcelona has been hit with a significant setback as a key player has confirmed the need for surgery to address a persistent injury.
The announcement, made via social media, comes after the player returned from vacation earlier this month but was unable to join group training sessions due to ongoing discomfort.
Despite attempts at conservative treatment, the decision to undergo surgery marks a critical moment for both the player and the club as they navigate the early stages of the 2025/26 season.
The player is Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the 33-year-old German goalkeeper and Barcelona captain.
Ter Stegen revealed on his official X page that he will undergo back surgery following extensive consultations with the club’s medical team and external specialists.
The procedure is deemed the fastest and safest path to full recovery, with doctors estimating a three-month absence, a shorter timeline than the initially feared four months.
Reflecting on a previous back surgery, Ter Stegen noted he returned to action in just 66 days, expressing optimism about his recovery while acknowledging the emotional toll of being sidelined.
Ter Stegen’s absence poses challenges for Barcelona, particularly as the team prepares for upcoming competitions, including their La Liga opener against Mallorca.
His leadership and experience between the posts are vital to Hansi Flick’s squad, and his recovery timeline will see him miss significant matches.
However, the goalkeeper remains determined, stating the rehabilitation process is manageable and promising regular updates to fans.
He also expressed gratitude to the Culers for their unwavering support, vowing to return stronger.
The three-month recovery period means Barcelona cannot utilize Ter Stegen’s salary space to register new signing Joan Garcia, a strategy employed last year with Wojciech Szczesny and Dani Olmo.
As the club adjusts to this setback, all eyes will be on Ter Stegen’s recovery journey and Barcelona’s ability to adapt without their captain, with fans eagerly awaiting his return to the pitch in early 2026.
Dear Culers,
I wear the colors and jersey of FC Barcelona with great pride, whether on or off the pitch, in moments of success and in difficult times. Today is a personally difficult day for me.
Physically and athletically, I feel in very good shape, although unfortunately I…
— Marc ter Stegen (@mterstegen1) July 24, 2025
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