Marc-André Ter Stegen’s fate in the coming weeks has been sealed in practice, and everyone involved understands the plan: the Barça goalkeeper will undergo back surgery in the next few days. The German stopper is set to be sidelined for several weeks, and at this point it remains uncertain whether he will be able to feature in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16. The decision was widely anticipated, and the medical team is moving forward with a clear timetable to minimize downtime and protect his long-term health.
Reports last Sunday signaled that a real surgical intervention could be necessary for Ter Stegen. He insisted on gathering all the essential information before giving final approval to any procedure. The process involved not only considering the most effective form of treatment but also selecting the right surgeon, the right facility, and the optimal moment for the operation. Barça supported the goal of thoughtful deliberation, and Ter Stegen took the extra two to three days he requested to make sure every detail was thoroughly reviewed before publicly confirming the decision to proceed with surgery.
After careful consultation in the final hours with trusted staff and colleagues, including teammates in Germany who were aware of the incident that occurred while he was with the national team, Ter Stegen reached a pragmatic conclusion: surgery was the most sensible option to address the issue. The choice reflects a balance between immediate relief and long-term reliability for his back health, which is crucial for a goalkeeper whose career hinges on consistent physical condition.
Ter Stegen will now be out of action for an extended period, missing key fixtures such as the Super Cup, several Liga matches, and various cup ties. At this stage, it remains unclear whether he will be ready to participate in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, scheduled for mid to late February. The matches are set for February 13-14 or 20-21, and while a late recovery is not out of the question, the priority is a safe and thorough recovery rather than a rushed return.