Since suffering a serious injury on 23 September 2024 during a match against Villarreal, the German has gone from being an undisputed starter to facing the possibility of a diminished role.
Now, persistent back issues have added to his troubles, with the 33-year-old reportedly considering another spell under the surgeon's knife.
The ordeal began when Ter Stegen ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee at Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica. The injury required surgery and sidelined him for eight months, a devastating blow for the team's captain. "It was a tough moment, one of the hardest in my career," Ter Stegen said in June, reflecting on the injury.
He returned late last season, featuring in just two matches for Barcelona and two for Germany in the Nations League. However, new head coach Hansi Flick had already placed his faith in Wojciech Szczesny, leaving Ter Stegen's position in the squad uncertain.
Compounding matters, Barcelona secured the signing of Joan Garcia in the summer, paying the young Catalan's release clause. This move intensified speculation about Ter Stegen's future, with the club reportedly open to offers to ease their financial fair play constraints.
"I want to stay, this is my home," Ter Stegen insisted in late June, but the arrival of Garcia shifted the dynamics, pushing the German down the pecking order.
The latest chapter in Ter Stegen's struggles unfolded as pre-season began. Barcelona confirmed he was confined to gym work during the first training session, with sources later revealing he was battling back discomfort. This is not the first time the goalkeeper has faced such issues; in November 2023, a lumbar injury kept him out for three months.
On Thursday, reports emerged that Ter Stegen was weighing up surgery to address the problem, though no final decision has been made. "He's evaluating all options carefully," a club insider said, adding that any recovery would likely be lengthy.
Fans on X have been vocal about the situation, with some expressing concern for their captain. One user posted, "Ter Stegen can't catch a break, back issues now? Hope he gets the right treatment and comes back stronger." Others speculated about his future, with another writing, "If Barca are serious about García, they might let Marc go. Sad to see."
These updates reflect the growing unease among supporters as their goalkeeper navigates this challenging period.
For now, Barcelona are bracing for an uncertain start to the season, with their captain's fitness hanging in the balance. Whether through surgery or rehabilitation, Ter Stegen's road to recovery promises to test his resilience once again.
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