DFB goalkeeper - Ter Stegen needs surgery due to back pain
National goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen will have to undergo an operation this week due to persistent back problems. FC Barcelona announced this on its website.
TerStegen will undergo surgery "to solve his problems with his lumbar spine. A new medical bulletin will be published after the operation," the club wrote. The exact date of the operation and how long ter Stegen may be out of action were not disclosed.
The 31-year-old is now facing the threat of a longer absence in the duel with Manuel Neuer for the goal of the German national soccer team. Ter Stegen wrote on X that the decision had been made after "intensive discussions with the club's medical team and various supporting experts". "The interruption annoys me, of course," admitted the keeper. But it was "the right and safe decision to come back with the best conditions for my club and the national team", he added.
Ter Stegen had already missed the DFB team's two test matches against Turkey (2:3) and in Austria (0:2) due to back problems and also had to sit out three of Barça's subsequent matches. The keeper had been in goal for the national team in eight of nine international matches this year until his absence in November. Thanks to his good performances in the DFB team and with the Spanish champions, he was considered the number one in Neuer's absence following his leg fracture and the designated starting goalkeeper for next summer's European Championship.
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- Despite his back problems, ter Stegen had established himself as the first choice goalkeeper for both FC Barcelona and the German national team, often outperforming Manuel Neuer when he was injured.
- The announcement of ter Stegen's surgery came as a blow to Spain, as he was a key player in their successful run this season, showcasing his exceptional skills in their domestic league and for his country.
- Despite the inconvenience, ter Stegen assured that the operation was necessary to ensure his long-term health and ability to contribute to both Barcelona and the German national team.
- Ter Stegen's absence will likely create an opportunity for Manuel Neuer to regain his position as the German national team's goalkeeper, although this remains to be seen, as Neuer's own injury record has been a cause of concern for the team's management.
- Barça coach Xavi has no doubt about ter Stegen's quality, and he expressed his hope that the back surgery will allow the goalkeeper to return to his top form as soon as possible.
- Ter Stegen's back problem is not uncommon in soccer, with many professional players struggling with similar issues, including serious injuries that can jeopardize their careers.
Source: www.stern.de
