43% games missed in two seasons – Injury concerns a major reason Barcelona are moving on from club captain | OneFootball

Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen is once again facing a critical moment in his career. As reported before, the German goalkeeper may have to undergo back surgery in the coming days, a decision expected to be made next week.

Ter Stegen has been dealing with chronic back problems for quite some time, and while surgery is not an easy choice, it may now be the only solution.

If he goes ahead with the procedure, he is likely to be sidelined for around four months.

Unfortunately, this is not the first time the German has had to battle serious injuries. Since 2020, he has undergone four surgeries, including multiple operations on his knee and back.

His physical issues have taken a heavy toll on his availability for the team. In fact, over the last two seasons, he has only played in 49 of Barcelona’s 113 matches, a participation rate of just 43%, reports SPORT.

Given that he recently turned 33, it is understandable why the club’s sporting management is now considering long-term changes in goal.

A look at the injuries

Ter Stegen’s injury troubles began to intensify during the 2020/21 season. After trying conservative treatments for his knee without success, he opted for surgery in the summer of 2020.

That decision forced him to miss the start of the season, including six La Liga games and three Champions League fixtures.

Ter Stegen missed most of the 2024/25 season. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Later that year, he underwent another operation on his patellar tendon, causing him to miss the final game of the league season and the European Championship with Germany.

Despite these setbacks, he still managed to appear in 81% of Barcelona’s games that season.

Troubles in the following years

In the following years, Ter Stegen recovered well and had two relatively injury-free campaigns.

During the 2022/23 season, he was vital to Xavi Hernandez’s La Liga-winning team, helping Barcelona boast one of the best defensive records in recent history.

However, his fitness problems returned in the 2023/24 season. A herniated disc led to severe back pain, forcing him out for three months between November and February.

He missed 17 games across all competitions, including La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey, and the Spanish Super Cup.

The 2024/25 season became even more difficult. A serious knee injury ruled him out from September, leaving him available for just nine games. He has missed 51 matches last season alone, with a game availability rate of just 21.67%.

With these figures in mind, Barcelona now face a tough decision. While Ter Stegen has been one of the club’s most important players in recent years, his recurring injuries may push the club to think seriously about his future at the club.