Barca\u2019s Ter Stegen Faces Three Months Out After Back Surgery
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Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is set to undergo back surgery on a long-term problem and will miss three months as a result, the Germany international said on Thursday.<\/strong><\/p>\n The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, who is expected to become the team\u2019s first choice, with Wojciech Szczesny as back-up.<\/p>\n \u201cToday is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically, I feel in very good shape, although unfortunately I am not free from pain,\u201d said Ter Stegen on social media network Instagram.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery.<\/p>\n \u201cAfter my last operation on my back, I returned to the pitch after 66 days-almost two months\u2026 this time, the doctors believe about three months will be necessary as a precaution, to avoid any risks.\u201d<\/p>\n Spanish media reported Barcelona were hoping to sell Ter Stegen, 33, who signed for the club in 2014, to help register new signings Garcia and Marcus Rashford.<\/p>\n Last summer a long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen allowed Barcelona to use a La Liga loophole to register playmaker Dani Olmo on a temporary basis after he signed from RB Leipzig.<\/p>\n \u201cEmotionally, it hurts a lot not being able to support the team during this time. Fortunately, the rehabilitation is manageable and the road back is clear,\u201d continued Ter Stegen.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry \u2014 I\u2019ll be back.\u201d<\/p>\n