Marc-Andre ter Stegen, the captain and goalkeeper for Barcelona, suffered a ruptured patella tendon during Sunday’s La Liga victory against Villarreal. He underwent successful knee surgery on Monday.
During the first half, the Germany international’s right knee gave way as he landed while catching the ball, and he was taken off on a stretcher.
Although a recovery timeline for the 32-year-old has not yet been announced, reports in Spanish media suggest that he may miss at least eight months.
According to Diario Sport, Ter Stegen plans to play again this season and is considering making a comeback in May, possibly in time to help Barca win some titles.
The club said, “The first-team player Marc ter Stegen has undergone a successful surgical intervention on the patella tendon injury in his right knee by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau under the supervision of the club’s medical services at Barcelona Hospital.
“The player is unavailable for selection, and his recovery will dictate his return,” the club added.
Since joining the team in 2014 from Borussia Monchengladbach, Ter Stegen has made over 400 appearances for the team.
In La Liga, Hansi Flick’s team defeated Villarreal 5-1 to keep their perfect record and pull four points ahead of Real Madrid at the top of the standings.
Retired Claudio Bravo may replace Barcelona’s injured Ter Stegen
According to The Week on Monday, veteran goalkeeper Claudio Bravo has said he would be happy to temporarily replace Marc-André ter Stegen of Barcelona if necessary.
Following a distinguished career with Colo Colo, Real Sociedad, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, and Real Betis, Bravo, 41, announced his retirement from football in August.
Though he has hung up his boots, the Copa America winner seems willing to make a quick comeback should Barcelona make contact with him.
“In his two years at Barça, he played 75 competitive fixtures and won no fewer than nine major titles, including the league and cup double in both years, as well as the Champions League and the Clubs World Cup,” according to a statement released by Barcelona on August 28.
Image credit: @FCBarcelona via X
I wish him a quick recovery.
[…] Barça Legends team, coached by Albert Ferrer, is expected to feature an array of football icons, […]