Storm brewing for Barcelona captain at club and international stage during World Cup season | OneFootball

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s situation has taken a worrying turn as both his club and international futures are now in doubt.

According to a report from AS, the Barcelona captain is facing more than just club-level challenges, as his hopes of representing Germany at the upcoming World Cup are now hanging by a thread.

The German goalkeeper is set to undergo surgery today to treat his recurring lower back issues. While the operation is aimed at resolving the long-standing problem, there is no clear timeline for his return to action.

This uncertainty is casting a long shadow over his chances of reclaiming a spot in both the Barcelona lineup and the German national team.

Barcelona have moved on

Back at Barça, the situation appears grim. With Ter Stegen ruled out for the foreseeable future, the club has already turned to Joan Garcia as their go-to option between the sticks.

And with the summer transfer window closing in and no chance of a move due to his condition, Ter Stegen is effectively stuck.

There is little room for change until he fully recovers and by then, the dynamics at the club could look very different.

International spot slipping away

Ter Stegen could miss out on the spot at World Cup. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

On the international front, things aren’t any better. With Manuel Neuer having stepped away from Germany duty, Ter Stegen was widely expected to take over as the undisputed No. 1 for the World Cup.

But his injury has opened the door for others, as Julian Nagelsmann is now exploring other choices.

One name that’s gaining serious traction is Oliver Baumann of Hoffenheim. At 35, Baumann has only made four appearances for Germany, but in Ter Stegen’s absence, he is seen as the current front-runner.

What about Neuer?

Adding further uncertainty is the ongoing buzz in Germany about a possible return for Neuer.

Still active at Bayern and in solid form, the veteran goalkeeper could be called upon again if the situation demands it.

For Ter Stegen, this couldn’t have come at a worse time. His injury not only puts his club future in doubt but also threatens to derail what was supposed to be a defining international tournament in his career.