Barcelona's Marc-André ter Stegen being transported by medical staff after sustaining a ruptured patella tendon in a La Liga match against Villarreal. © Twitter (@FabrizioRomano)
Barcelona, September 23, 2024 — Barcelona’s star goalkeeper and captain, Marc-André ter Stegen, is scheduled to undergo knee surgery on Monday after suffering a serious knee injury during Sunday’s 3-1 La Liga victory over Villarreal.
The 32-year-old Germany international ruptured his patella tendon in the first half when his right knee buckled while landing after catching a high ball. Ter Stegen was immediately carried off the pitch on a stretcher, leaving fans and teammates concerned about his future availability.
Barcelona Yet to Announce Recovery Timeline
Barcelona has not released an official timeline for Ter Stegen’s recovery but promised to update supporters after the surgery. Given the severity of the injury, it is feared that the veteran goalkeeper may face a lengthy spell on the sidelines, which could impact the club’s push for titles this season.
Since joining Barcelona from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014, Ter Stegen has been a cornerstone of the team, making over 400 appearances for the Blaugrana and playing a pivotal role in multiple domestic and European titles.
Barcelona’s Winning Momentum in La Liga
Despite the setback, Barcelona secured a crucial 3-1 win over Villarreal to maintain their perfect start to the 2024-2025 La Liga season. The victory extends Barcelona’s lead at the top of the table, now sitting four points clear of arch-rivals Real Madrid.
Hansi Flick’s squad remains unbeaten, with the injury to their captain casting a shadow over an otherwise stellar campaign. As Barcelona awaits the results of Ter Stegen’s surgery, attention turns to who will step up to fill his gloves during the critical phase of the season.
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What’s Next for Barcelona?
The upcoming matches will test Barcelona’s squad depth as they look to continue their strong form without their reliable number one. Fans are hopeful for Ter Stegen’s swift recovery, though experts suggest that a complete rehabilitation from such an injury could take months.
