Misery seems to be shadowing FC Barcelona in various facets, encompassing both collective and individual aspects. The Catalan club has been grappling on the pitch in recent games, and this downturn is significantly impacting their season. Furthermore, they are contending with an extensive injury list that includes several key players.
One such important piece of the team is Marc Andre Ter Stegen. The German international currently remains sidelined due to a back surgery that he had to endure. Hoping to come back in close to two months, Ter Stegen will be looking to retrace his steps. He will primarily be looking to return as a starter for Barcelona over Inaki Pena.
However, it appears that a different kind of challenge awaits Ter Stegen even after he returns. According to SPORT, the German goalkeeper’s dream to be a starter for his country in the upcoming 2024 Euros is in jeopardy. In fact, the cause of that jeopardy can be singled out as being one name, Manuel Neuer.
As it appears, the 37-year-old Bayern Munich keeper has just recently returned in late October from an injury. Since returning, the German goalkeeper has been indispensable in goal. Moreover, he has given excellent performances over the last one and a half months.
Moreover, German National team coach Julian Nagelsmann also has the back of Neuer to start for his country. On several occasions, the coach has emphasized that the keeper’s return and current form solidify his position as the undisputed number one between the sticks.
However, while Neuer may be the hero for many supporters of Germany, he has been quite the opposite for Ter Stegen. The Barcelona goalkeeper has been kept away from being a starter in the National team due to the dominance and stronghold of Neuer in the team.
As a result, Ter Stegen has only ever truly starred in one tournament as an undisputed starter for Germany and that was the 2017 Confederations Cup. Ultimately, Ter Stegen and Germany won that tournament, but he has missed out on a lot of other contests.
The 2016 Euros, the 2018 FIFA World Cup as well as the 2022 edition, all saw Ter Stegen start from the bench. The 2021 edition of the Euros was missed entirely by the player due to him undergoing a knee surgery.
His dream remains to star for Germany in the Euros, but it seems difficult for the Barcelona goalkeeper now. Ahead of the tournament, a few friendlies in March are scheduled for Germany as well.
However, at the moment, it seems that Nagelsmann would like Neuer to start against both France and the Netherlands.
