Julian Nagelsmann backs Marc-Andre ter Stegen for World Cup despite latest injury setback

Ter Stegen sustained a thigh muscle injury while playing for Girona on Saturday, just his second appearance for the Spanish club since joining on a six-month loan from Barcelona in search of regular game time. Girona confirmed the 33-year-old will undergo further tests, but he is expected to be sidelined for several months.

"It's incredibly bitter. Marc had just returned and was on a really good path; we were all looking forward to his return to the national team," Nagelsmann said. "Right now, the only thing that matters is his recovery, in peace and without pressure. We all support him."

The injury is set to rule Ter Stegen out of Germany's March friendlies against Switzerland and Ghana, disrupting preparations for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Ter Stegen only recently became Germany's first-choice goalkeeper following Manuel Neuer's international retirement in 2024, having spent much of his career as the Bayern Munich star's understudy. However, recurring injuries have hindered his progress. He missed much of last season with a knee problem and was later sidelined with a back complaint, contributing to his reduced role at Barcelona, where he has fallen behind Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny.

Nagelsmann and German FA sporting director Rudi Voller have continued to back Ter Stegen as Germany's number one when fit, though they have stressed the importance of consistent game time ahead of the World Cup.

Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann has stepped in during Ter Stegen's absence, while speculation has resurfaced over a potential return for Neuer, who will be 40 when the tournament begins but remains a regular for Bayern Munich.