Barcelona's first-choice goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines after undergoing back surgery, dealing a major blow to Xavi's side during a crucial period of the season.
The German shot-stopper has been struggling with persistent back problems in recent weeks, ultimately requiring surgical intervention. While the club hasn't provided an official timeline for his recovery, sources suggest he could be out of action for at least two months.
Barcelona's Goalkeeping Crisis Deepens
With ter Stegen unavailable, backup keeper Inaki Pena is expected to step up as the temporary number one. The 24-year-old Spaniard has shown promise in limited appearances but lacks the experience of his German counterpart at the highest level.
Xavi now faces a selection headache ahead of crucial La Liga and Champions League fixtures. The Barcelona manager may need to dip into the January transfer market for reinforcements if ter Stegen's recovery takes longer than anticipated.
Impact on Barcelona's Season
Ter Stegen's absence comes at a particularly bad time for Barcelona, who are:
- Locked in a tight La Liga title race
- Preparing for Champions League knockout stages
- Dealing with several other injury concerns
The 31-year-old has been one of Barcelona's most consistent performers this season, with his leadership and distribution from the back proving crucial to Xavi's system.
What This Means for Ter Stegen
This injury represents a significant setback for the German international, who had been enjoying one of his best seasons in recent years. The timing is especially unfortunate with Euro 2024 on the horizon, though Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann will hope his first-choice keeper recovers in time for the tournament.
Barcelona fans will be anxiously awaiting updates on ter Stegen's rehabilitation process, with the club likely to provide more details in the coming days.
