FC Barcelona’s preparations for the 2025/26 season have been overshadowed by ongoing concerns surrounding Marc-Andre ter Stegen.
After missing the initial phase of pre-season training due to persistent back problems, the German international announced via social media that he will undergo surgery to resolve the issue.
The unexpected statement, which preempted the club’s official communication, has added complexity to Barcelona’s planning, particularly regarding their salary cap and squad registration.
According to Diario Sport, Ter Stegen’s surgery is scheduled for Tuesday, July 29, at the Sports Clinic Bordeaux Merignac, under the care of Dr. Amélie Léglise and supervised by Barcelona’s medical team.
The goalkeeper estimated a recovery period of approximately three weeks in his statement, though the club internally believes the timeline could extend beyond this.
Barcelona plans to issue an updated statement post-surgery, detailing the procedure’s outcome and, with Ter Stegen’s approval, a more precise recovery prognosis.
The surgery, described as a “reintervention” for his ongoing back issues, comes at a critical juncture for both player and club.
Barcelona is navigating financial constraints, and LaLiga’s independent Medical Commission will review medical reports to determine the injury’s severity.
This assessment will decide whether the club can utilize 80% of Ter Stegen’s salary to register new signing Joan Garcia, a move that has already sparked tension with the goalkeeper.
His public announcement was perceived as a strategic attempt to influence this process, further straining relations with the club.
The absence of Marc-Andre ter Stegen is combined with the uncertainty surrounding his recovery, poses challenges for manager Hansi Flick as he shapes the squad for the upcoming season.
The club’s medical and leadership teams are focused on ensuring a successful procedure while managing the broader implications for team dynamics and financial planning.
As Barcelona awaits the surgery’s outcome, the spotlight remains on how this development will impact their pre-season preparations and leadership structure moving forward
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