According to consistent media reports, Marc-André ter Stegen has suffered a serious injury. He faces at the end of his time at loan club Girona – and for the World Cup.
Major setback for Marc-André ter Stegen! According to consistent media reports from Spain, the national football goalkeeper, who is on loan to FC Girona, has suffered a muscle injury and will be out for up to two months.
It was further reported that Girona wants to send ter Stegen back to FC Barcelona due to the injury – this is possible due to a clause in the loan agreement.
World Cup at Risk
Thus, the 33-year-old would not only miss the international matches on March 27 in Basel against Switzerland and on March 30 in Stuttgart against Ghana. He would also no longer be able to recommend himself for the World Cup with good performances, as he has no sporting prospects at Barcelona.
However, playing time is important with a view to the finals in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, as national coach Julian Nagelsmann and DFB sporting director Rudi Völler had repeatedly emphasized.
Flick Reacts to ter Stegen Shock
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick was also apparently surprised by the reports of ter Stegen’s injury. “I just saw what happened with ter Stegen,” the German revealed on Monday at Barca’s press conference before the Copa del Rey quarter-final against Albacete.
A personal conversation has not yet taken place. “I haven’t spoken to him yet, but I’m very sorry,” said Flick, who wants to await further medical tests. “We have to wait for the results of the medical examinations and then see what happens.”
Injury Initially Went Unnoticed
Ter Stegen reportedly suffered the injury on Saturday during Girona’s 0-1 (0-0) loss to last-placed Real Oviedo. Which body region was affected remained initially unclear. It was only the second match ter Stegen had played for his new club.
The long-injured goalkeeper had only joined Girona on January 20. In his new sporting home, he wanted to recommend himself for the World Cup with good performances.