For FC Barcelona, the current season has been filled with injuries and physical problems. The club has already seen important players like Araujo, Kounde, Frenkie de Jong, Pedri, Lewandowski, and Raphinha all miss significant game time, and there are still some players currently in the infirmary.
Pablo Gavi also tore his ACL in the last international break, which has ruled him out for the rest of the season. This international break also saw Marc Andre Ter Stegen develop the back discomfort that has kept him from participating in Barcelona games for the last two weeks.
As conservative treatment was not resulting in any significant improvement for the goalkeeper, Ter Stegen made the decision to undergo surgery today; a decision in line with the suggestions of the Barcelona medical team.
Now, as Mundo Deportivo has reported, the German took to social media to explain the reasoning for this decision to his followers:
“After intense discussions with the club’s medical team and several supporting experts, we have decided to undergo a surgical procedure. This pause, obviously, bothers me. It is the right and safe decision to return in the best conditions with my club, FC Barcelona, and the national team.”
Previous reports suggested that Ter Stegen was attempting a more conservative approach to healing from his injury. However, going under the knife seems to be the best way forward for the German now, and he has decided to take this risk.
Ter Stegen will need a lengthy period after the surgery to recover his fitness and will return to action only a few months into 2024.
He is expected to miss the Super Cup campaign in January, and in addition to missing several La Liga and Copa del Rey matches, he is also doubtful to appear in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.
