Barcelona issue official update on captain’s surgery | OneFootball

Barcelona have officially confirmed that Marc-Andre ter Stegen has undergone a second surgery to address his ongoing lower back issues.

The operation was carried out on Tuesday in Bordeaux by renowned specialist Dr Amelie Leglise, with the club’s medical team closely involved.

While the procedure was deemed a success, Barça have, as expected, avoided offering a clear timeline for his return to action.

In the club’s official statement, they said:

“First-team player Marc ter Stegen has successfully undergone further surgery for his lower back problems, performed by Dr. Amelie Leglise under the supervision of the club’s Medical Services at Sports Clinic Bordeaux Merignac.

“He is unavailable for selection, and his recovery will determine when he can return.”

While no fixed recovery time has been shared by the club, the fact that they have stayed silent suggests the situation may be more serious than initially hoped.

Facing uncertain future

The German international had returned from his summer break feeling discomfort in his lower back and was unable to join his teammates for pre-season training.

He also missed the club’s Asian tour, instead focusing entirely on medical treatment.

Ter Stegen had earlier taken to social media to reveal that he expected to be sidelined for around three months.

However, La Liga rules state that a player must be unavailable for a minimum of four months before the club can repurpose 80% of their salary for new signings.

Barça’s decision not to mention any recovery timeline might indicate that his absence will exceed even his own estimation.

The 2025/26 season poses significant challenges for Ter Stegen. The arrival of Joan Garcia means there will be stiff competition for the number one shirt.

Moreover, with the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, Ter Stegen is fully aware that missing significant game time now could hurt his chances of making Germany’s squad.