Barcelona Goalkeeper Ter Stegen to Undergo Back Surgery, Faces Three-Month Layoff

Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he prepares to undergo surgery to address a persistent back issue. The Germany international confirmed on Thursday that the procedure will rule him out for approximately three months.

The 33-year-old revealed on Instagram that, despite feeling physically fit, ongoing pain had forced him and the club’s medical staff to opt for surgery as the safest route to full recovery.

“Today is a personally difficult day for me,” Ter Stegen wrote. “Physically and athletically I feel strong, but unfortunately, I am not pain-free. After extensive consultation with Barcelona’s medical team and external specialists, we’ve decided that surgery is the best and fastest way for me to heal completely.”

He noted that after a previous back operation, he returned to action in just over two months. However, doctors have recommended a longer recovery period this time around three months to avoid complications.

Barcelona had already moved to bolster their goalkeeping options ahead of the season by signing Joan Garcia from city rivals Espanyol. Garcia is expected to step in as the team’s new No. 1, with former Juventus keeper Wojciech Szczesny likely to serve as backup.

Spanish media reports suggest that Barcelona could consider offloading Ter Stegen, who has been at the club since 2014, to ease financial pressure and facilitate the registration of new signings, including Garcia and Marcus Rashford.

The club previously used a similar approach when a serious injury to Andreas Christensen enabled them to register Dani Olmo temporarily following his arrival from RB Leipzig.

Ter Stegen acknowledged the emotional toll of being sidelined but assured fans of his determination to return stronger: “It hurts not being able to help the team during this time. Thankfully, the rehabilitation process is clear and manageable. Don’t worry, I’ll be back.”