MARC-ANDRE TER STEGEN is set to miss the rest of the season after suffering a horror injury.
Barcelona confirmed the veteran goalkeeper was set for a long period on the sidelines after undergoing surgery for a torn patellar tendon in his right knee.
A 52-word statement read: “First team player Marc-Andre ter Stegen underwent successful surgery this afternoon on a patellar tendon injury in his right knee, performed by Dr Joan Carles Monllau under the supervision of the FC Barcelona Medical Services at the Hospital de Barcelona.
“He will be unavailable for selection until he has fully recovered.”
Ter Stegen, 32, had started all six of the Spanish giants LaLiga games this season.
However, in the latest game against Villarreal, Ter Stegen had to be stretchered off and replaced in injury-time of the first half after going down injured.
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Inaki Peña, 25, replaced him as Hansi Flick’s side went on to win the game 5-1.
It is estimated he will be out for at least eight months.
The timing could not be worse for Ter Stegen after he was named as Germany’s new No1 by Julian Nagelsmann following the international retirement of Manuel Neuer.
Speaking on the injury, he said: “The news of Marc’s injury was a big shock for us.
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“We will miss him very much in the national team on and off the pitch.
“We wish Marc all the best for the operation and a good and quick recovery. We will always be there for him on his way back!”
Ter Stegen is not the only major international star to suffer an injury over the weekend after Ballon d’Or candidate and Manchester City star Rodri fell foul to a cruciate ligament injury.
Like his German counterpart, the Spanish midfielder looks set to miss the remainder of the season.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
