Ter Stegen medical update

Ter Stegen Undergoes Back Surgery, Recovery Timeline Under Scrutiny

BARCELONA, Spain - July 29, 2025 - FC Barcelona has announced that their first-team goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, has successfully undergone further surgery for persistent lower back problems.1 The procedure was performed by Dr. Amélie Léglise at Sports Clinic Bordeaux Merignac, under the supervision of the club's medical services.2

While the club confirmed the success of the operation, they did not provide a definitive timeline for the German international's return, stating only that his "recovery will determine when he can return."3 This official stance contrasts with Ter Stegen's own earlier announcement, where he suggested he would be sidelined for "about three months."

This discrepancy in estimated recovery periods has fueled speculation and reportedly created "tension" between the player and the club. Medical sources, including some consulted by Spanish media, indicate that for a recurring back injury of this nature, a recovery period of four to five months is more realistic.

The duration of Ter Stegen's absence holds significant implications for Barcelona, particularly concerning La Liga's financial fair play rules.4 If a player is deemed unavailable for four months or more due to injury, clubs can utilize 80% of their salary to register new signings.5 Ter Stegen's stated three-month recovery would fall short of this threshold, preventing Barcelona from freeing up significant wage space for recently acquired players like Joan García.6

This is not Ter Stegen's first encounter with back issues; he underwent a similar operation in December 2023, which kept him out for approximately two months.7 He also missed most of the 2024-25 season recovering from a ruptured patellar tendon. His recent back problems reportedly flared up during the Nations League with Germany, and he has not trained with the first team during pre-season.

In Ter Stegen's absence, Barcelona will likely rely on newly signed goalkeeper Joan García and Iñaki Peña. The situation also raises questions for the German national team, with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.

As the recovery process begins, the exact return date for Barcelona's captain remains uncertain, and the interplay between his medical status and the club's financial strategy is expected to continue to be a significant talking point. The La Liga Medical Committee is expected to review Ter Stegen's medical reports to provide an official assessment of his absence.