Barcelona face an increasingly tense situation between the posts, as Marc-André ter Stegen is now seriously considering undergoing surgery to address his persistent back issues — a move that could rule him out for several months.
The German goalkeeper has been managing discomfort for months, playing through pain to remain available for Xavi Hernández’s side. However, the situation has deteriorated, with medical staff now suggesting that surgery may be the only permanent solution to resolve the chronic problem.
If Ter Stegen proceeds with the operation, his absence is estimated to last between three to five months, depending on the complexity of the surgery and rehabilitation progress. Such a lengthy spell on the sidelines would be a major blow for Barça, especially as they aim to challenge for La Liga and Champions League titles this season.
Club Contingency Plans: Deregistration and Joan GarciaIn response to this looming dilemma, Barcelona are evaluating the option to deregister Ter Stegen from the squad temporarily. This would not only free up a non-EU registration slot but also ease financial pressure on the wage bill, enabling the club to register Espanyol’s Joan Garcia — a talented young goalkeeper who is already on their radar.
Deregistering Ter Stegen could also unlock opportunities for Barcelona in the transfer market, allowing them to explore reinforcements, particularly in midfield or attack, given the flexibility gained from salary savings.
Uncertainty and Next Steps
No final decision has been made, but sources close to the player suggest that Ter Stegen is leaning towards surgery if his condition doesn’t improve swiftly. The club’s medical department will conduct further assessments before a definitive call is taken.
Meanwhile, Barcelona are also in communication with La Liga authorities to ensure that any potential deregistration process complies with league regulations.
Fan Reactions and the Road AheadFans have expressed mixed feelings. While many prioritize Ter Stegen’s long-term health, there is understandable concern about how the team will cope during his absence, especially with key fixtures looming.
Some analysts view this as a potential opportunity for Inaki Peña or Joan Garcia to stake a claim as Barcelona’s next great goalkeeper. Given Barça’s history of successfully promoting youth, the club might once again turn to its La Masia philosophy to navigate this challenge.
As Barcelona’s board and coaching staff prepare to make a crucial decision, supporters will be anxiously waiting for official updates on their No.1’s fate. Whether through surgery or continued conservative treatment, decisive action is expected in the coming days.
