Germany’s goalkeeper will be sidelined for an extended period due to a hamstring injury.
Injuries just won’t let up for Marc-André ter Stegen. The German shot-stopper has now suffered a hamstring injury, dealing a major blow to his World Cup plans.
He picked up the injury in his left hamstring during last Saturday’s 1-0 loss against Oviedo. According to sports website ESPN, the 33-year-old could be out of action for a long period.
ESPN reports, citing sources, that both Barcelona and Girona—where ter Stegen was loaned—are closely monitoring his situation. Discussions are ongoing about what would be best for the player.
Surgery may even be necessary, meaning he could be sidelined for over two months.
To secure a spot in Germany’s World Cup squad, ter Stegen joined Girona in mid-January in hopes of regular playing time. There are also talks of a possible return to Barcelona.
When asked about ter Stegen’s return, Barcelona coach Hansi Flick said,
“I’ve heard the news too. I haven’t spoken with him, but I feel really bad for him. We’ll have to wait for the results of the tests before seeing what can be done.”
Since Flick became Barcelona’s coach in 2024, ter Stegen has suffered several serious injuries, which also cost him his spot in the starting XI to Iñaki Peña.
Last season, he played only nine matches across all competitions due to a knee injury. In the first four months of the current season, he was sidelined again after undergoing back surgery.
Having joined Barcelona in 2014, ter Stegen has played over 400 matches for the club.
In July, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann had said, “To be Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper, he must also be Barcelona’s first choice.” However, injuries have since cost him his place even at Barcelona, and now at Girona, he has been struck by another injury.
As a result, ter Stegen’s World Cup participation now hangs in uncertainty. To meet Germany coach Nagelsmann’s condition, he must re-establish himself at Barcelona before the global tournament. All in all, he is going through a very challenging period in his career.
