Barcelona Goalkeeper Ter Stegen Out Long-Term with Knee Injury

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has sustained a complete rupture of a tendon in his right knee, the club announced on Monday. The injury is expected to sideline the German goalkeeper for an extended period of time and has raised concerns for the Germany national team.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is facing a significant spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury in Sunday's 5-1 La Liga win over Villarreal. The club confirmed on Monday that the German international sustained a complete rupture of a tendon in his right knee, requiring surgery.

The injury occurred just before halftime when ter Stegen went for a high cross into the area and landed awkwardly, causing his knee to buckle. He was stretchered off the field and underwent tests that revealed the extent of the damage.

Barcelona announced that surgery on ter Stegen's knee is scheduled for Monday afternoon, and the recovery timeline is expected to be lengthy. This is a major blow to the Catalan club, as ter Stegen has been a key player for them in recent years.

The injury also has implications for the Germany national team, as ter Stegen was poised to become their No. 1 goalkeeper following the international retirement of Manuel Neuer. Ter Stegen had played 42 games for Germany but had yet to feature in a major tournament.

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann expressed his disappointment at the news of ter Stegen's injury. "We in the national team are going to miss him on and off the field," Nagelsmann said. "We wish Marc all the best for the operation and a quick recovery. We'll always be there for him on his way back."

Germany's recent squad included backup goalkeepers Alexander Nübel from Stuttgart and Oliver Baumann from Hoffenheim, but neither has yet to play for the national team.

The loss of ter Stegen is a significant setback for both Barcelona and Germany, and the recovery timeline is likely to be a major factor in their respective campaigns in the coming months.

Barcelona expressed their support for ter Stegen following the announcement of his injury. "The club wishes to express its full support to Marc ter Stegen and will do everything possible to ensure that he recovers as quickly as possible," the club said in a statement.

Coach Xavi Hernandez also sent his well wishes to the goalkeeper. "It's a shame that we're losing a player like Marc for a long time," Xavi said. "We wish him a speedy recovery and we'll be waiting for him."

The injury to ter Stegen has thrown Germany's goalkeeping situation into doubt. Nagelsmann had identified ter Stegen as his first-choice goalkeeper, but with his long-term absence, the coach will be forced to consider alternative options.

Nübel and Baumann are the most likely candidates to replace ter Stegen in the Germany squad, but neither has significant international experience. This could pose a challenge for Germany, especially with major tournaments such as the World Cup and European Championship on the horizon.

The injury to Marc-Andre ter Stegen is a significant setback for both Barcelona and Germany. The recovery timeline is expected to be lengthy, and it remains to be seen how long it will take for the goalkeeper to return to full fitness. In the meantime, Barcelona and Germany will have to cope with the loss of one of their key players.