Barcelona’s Marc-André ter Stegen set for surgery: how long will he be out for? | OneFootball

An update on the wellbeing of sidelined Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has come to the fore this evening.

Shot-stopper Ter Stegen, of course, has spent the last couple of weeks on the treatment table.

This comes after he picked up a back issue whilst on international duty with Germany.

Backup Iñaki Peña has stepped up in hugely impressive fashion in Ter Stegen’s absence, with his latest exploits having proven crucial to Barcelona getting the better of Atlético Madrid this past weekend.

Nevertheless, though, ahead of such a crucial stretch of the campaign, it will come as a blow for all associated with Barca to hear that the club’s no.1 is in line for an extended spell out of action.

As confirmed by Toni Juanmarti of Sport, the decision has been made for Ter Stegen to go under the knife to solve his back problems once and for all.

Initial reports pointed towards the 31-year-old being set for a matter of weeks on the sidelines, but fresh claims this evening suggest that a more lengthy absence could be in store.

As per Cope’s Helena Condis, Ter Stegen is likely to miss the next two or three months.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach standout could therefore return for either the first or second leg of Barcelona’s Champions League Last-16 tie.

Conor Laird | GSFN