Marc-André ter Stegen, the captain and first-choice goalkeeper of FC Barcelona, has officially announced that he will undergo surgery to treat a persistent back problem that has kept him out of action for some time.
The 33-year-old German shot-stopper had returned to Barcelona earlier this month following his vacation, but he has not been able to take part in any group training sessions with his teammates due to discomfort and ongoing pain in his back.
Instead, he has been undergoing conservative, non-invasive treatment while working individually in the club’s gym facilities, hoping to recover without the need for surgery.
Unfortunately, after weeks of trying less aggressive recovery methods and seeing little to no progress, the possibility of a surgical procedure was seriously considered. With the situation not improving, medical experts and the club’s medical team ultimately deemed surgery the most effective and safest route to ensure a complete and long-term recovery.
After careful consideration and thorough consultation with both FC Barcelona’s medical professionals and external specialists, Ter Stegen has come to a final decision. He took to social media to inform fans that he will indeed undergo surgery to address the ongoing issue with his back. In a heartfelt message to the Barcelona faithful, Ter Stegen expressed his commitment and pride in representing the club: “Dear Culers, I wear the colours and jersey of FC Barcelona with great pride, whether on or off the pitch, in moments of success and in difficult times.”
He went on to explain that, following in-depth discussions with medical experts, surgery was determined to be the fastest and most secure method of recovery.
His primary focus is to return in top form while minimizing the risk of re-injury in the future. “After intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery,” Ter Stegen wrote.
Interestingly, despite initial reports suggesting the goalkeeper could be sidelined for up to four months, Ter Stegen clarified in his announcement that the recovery timeline is expected to be around three months.
He recalled a previous back operation that saw him return to the field after just 66 days and emphasized that this time, doctors are adding an extra buffer to ensure he recovers fully without setbacks.
In all, this marks a significant blow for FC Barcelona as they prepare for the second half of the season. Losing their captain and a key player like Ter Stegen, even for three months, will undoubtedly impact their defensive solidity and overall squad morale.
