Ter Stegen Ruled Out of Barça’s Asia Tour — Potential Surgery Could See Him Miss Four Months
FC Barcelona have confirmed that Marc-André ter Stegen, the club’s vice-captain and undisputed No.1, will not be part of the squad traveling to Japan and South Korea for their highly anticipated pre-season tour. The German international will remain in Barcelona due to ongoing discomfort from a long-standing injury, and his absence has raised serious concerns at the club.
According to reports from Sergi Solé of Mundo Deportivo, Barça’s medical team is now strongly considering surgical intervention to finally address the persistent issue. Should the surgery go ahead, Ter Stegen could be sidelined for up to four months, meaning he would miss the start of the 2025/26 La Liga season, as well as key early fixtures in the UEFA Champions League and potentially the Spanish Super Cup.
What This Means for Barça
This setback comes at a delicate time for Barcelona and manager Hansi Flick, who is in the middle of shaping his squad during pre-season. Losing Ter Stegen not only weakens the team defensively but also removes a vital leader in the dressing room. His vocal presence, ability to play out from the back, and big-game experience have been crucial to Barcelona’s system for nearly a decade.
However, the injury also opens up an unexpected opportunity.
La Liga Rule Offers Relief
Under La Liga’s long-term injury exception, if a player is ruled out for more than four months, the club is permitted to use 80% of that player’s gross salary toward registering a replacement, even if they are currently at the salary cap limit.
In this case, the likely beneficiary is Joan García, the young and highly-rated goalkeeper who joined from local rivals RCD Espanyol earlier this summer. García has impressed scouts with his shot-stopping ability, composure, and command of the penalty area, and his integration into the senior team could now be fast-tracked.
For García, this is a golden chance to prove himself at the highest level. For Barça, it’s a test of the depth and resilience they’ve been working hard to rebuild under Flick and sporting director Deco.
What’s Next?
A final decision on whether Ter Stegen will undergo surgery is expected within days. The medical team is reportedly weighing the long-term benefits of surgery against the short-term blow to squad stability. If they choose to proceed, Barça will likely announce it in an official statement soon after, and Joan García could begin pre-season as the club’s temporary No.1.
Summary
- Ter Stegen ruled out of Asia tour due to injury
- Surgery could sideline him until November or December
- Joan García expected to step in as interim first-choice
- Barça can register a replacement using 80% of Ter Stegen’s salary
- Decision on surgery expected before end of the week
