Specialist disputes Ter Stegen’s three-month recovery timeline claim – ‘Four is more likely’ | OneFootball

The war between Barcelona and Marc-Andre ter Stegen has taken a turn for the worse, especially after the goalkeeper announced he will undergo surgery and will take three months to recover.

The three-month timeline has become the point of contention as Barcelona cannot utilise 80% of his salary unless the player is out for at least four months.

Barcelona camp believes ter Stegen’s surgery will take him longer than three months to recover – a feeling shared by Dr. Ripoli, a specialist in traumatology.

An expert’s view on ter Stegen’s surgery

Speaking to Cadena SER, Dr. Ripoll admitted that the three-month estimate offered by Ter Stegen is optimistic at best and likely unrealistic.

“At first glance, three months is a very tight timeframe, and on paper, four is more likely,” said the trauma specialist.

Dr. Ripoll pointed out the lack of clarity around the type of procedure being done: “Everything will depend on the procedure he undergoes, whether the doctors opt for invasive surgery or palliative treatment.”

Dr Ripoli believes ter Stegen will take at least four months to recover (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

The German goalkeeper’s public declaration of a three-month recovery also did not sit well with the expert.

“The player has placed himself in a very comfortable position and has given a recovery period before undergoing surgery,” he said.

“The best thing would have been to remain silent and, after the operation, to provide a medical report,” he added.

Ripoli added that there will be an inspection from La Liga as well to determine exactly how long Ter Stegen will be out for.

“The La Liga tribunal would have to conduct a subsequent evaluation,” he concluded.

A recent report has indicated that ter Stegen’s surgery date has already been set, with the German scheduled for an operation on Tuesday, 29 July.