Barcelona's goalkeeper Ter Stegen faces 3-month layoff after back surgery

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is set to undergo back surgery next week and will be sidelined for approximately three months, the club confirmed on Thursday, reports UNB.
The surgery is intended to address persistent lower back issues that have troubled the German international.
"Today is a personally difficult day for me," Ter Stegen said in a statement. "Physically I feel fit, but the pain hasn't gone away. After extensive consultations with Barcelona's medical staff and outside specialists, we've concluded that surgery is the quickest and safest route to full recovery."
The 33-year-old shot-stopper already missed the majority of last season due to a knee tendon rupture, and he was previously out for around two months in 2023 following a separate back procedure.
"This time, doctors recommend a three-month recovery window to eliminate any risk," he added. "Emotionally, it's tough not being able to help the team, but I'm confident in the rehab process and the path forward."
Barcelona recently strengthened their goalkeeping options by adding Espanyol's Joan García to the squad. Iñaki Peña served as the backup last season.