Football: Ter Stegen out for months

Marc-André ter Stegen addressed his arduous message to the "Culers," the fans of FC Barcelona , but Julian Nagelsmann must have also flinched at the news from Spain. The number one of the German national football team, who is expected to be in goal at the 2026 World Cup, will be out for months. On a "difficult day," ter Stegen reported on Instagram about an upcoming back surgery that will condemn him to the sidelines.

"Physically and athletically, I feel very fit, but unfortunately I'm not pain-free," ter Stegen wrote to his 17 million followers. "After intensive discussions with FC Barcelona's medical team and external experts, the fastest and safest path to a full recovery for me is back surgery."

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For ter Stegen, this is the next setback on the road to the World Cup: He only returned to the Spanish champions at the beginning of May after a torn patellar tendon and an eight-month layoff. However, former national coach Hansi Flick apparently no longer plans to use the 33-year-old, with ter Stegen expected to be the Catalans' number three, behind new signing Joan García and Wojciech Szczesny. The German has played for Barcelona since 2014, rising to captain.

"I wear the colors and the FC Barcelona jersey 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," ter Stegen wrote. "Emotionally, it hurts a lot not to be able to support the team during this time. Fortunately, the rehabilitation is manageable, and the road back is clear." Ter Stegen had already undergone back surgery – he was back on the pitch after 66 days. "This time, the doctors expect a precautionary three months to avoid risks," he wrote. The German national team commented: "Always by your side, Marc!"

His contract with Barcelona runs until 2028, and ter Stegen has repeatedly stated that he does not want to leave the club. However, with the World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico in mind, he will likely need a starting place. Record international Lothar Matthäus and former national goalkeeper René Adler have suggested that ter Stegen move soon. "He has to play to fulfill his dream of playing in the World Cup," Matthäus told Bild .

According to media reports, Barcelona had agreed to terminate ter Stegen's contract with a severance payment equal to one year's salary. He could then leave on a free transfer. But now, his priority is recovery – and ter Stegen is fighting back: "I'll keep you updated on my recovery and would like to thank all of you, dear Culers, for always being by my side. Don't worry, I'll be back!"