Barcelona veteran will make a decision on surgery once key meeting takes place | OneFootball

As reported earlier today, the possibility of Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen undergoing back surgery is a real option.

The 33-year-old shot-stopper has not been training with the group since the start of the pre-season, due to continued back issues.

And reports earlier revealed that with the current treatment not yielding the desired results, the option of surgery is now on the table – a move that could sideline him for four months.

Ter Stegen to decide after meeting

Now, according to Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona are not ruling anything out but are leaving the final decision to Ter Stegen himself, who is the most invested in resolving his persistent issues – problems that already led to surgery in December 2023.

The decision has not yet been made and is pending a medical summit, which will include club doctors and a specialist in spinal conditions. The meeting is still to be scheduled.

Surgery on the cards. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Ultimately, Ter Stegen will make the final call after listening to both the club’s medical staff and any external experts he chooses to consult.

Not part of the plans

Barcelona, through Hansi Flick, have already made it clear that he is no longer considered the first-choice goalkeeper – new signing Joan Garcia has been given that role.

However, the club want to avoid any conflict with their club captain, who is facing a potential spell of inactivity and risks jeopardising his chances of playing for Germany in the World Cup.

It is worth remembering that Ter Stegen previously underwent back surgery in 2023, performed by Dr Amelie Leglise, a renowned orthopaedic and trauma surgery specialist based in Bordeaux (France).

It remains to be seen what decision the goalkeeper will take. If he opts for surgery, Ter Stegen will most certainly miss the pre-season tour of Asia, with Barcelona likely to bank on Garcia, Wojciech Szczesny, and out-of-favour star Inaki Pena for the trip.