Barcelona captain did not want anyone from club to accompany him for surgery amid recovery time dispute | OneFootball

According to a recent revelation made by AS, Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen has made a clear statement not with words, but through actions.

The outlet assures that the German goalkeeper, who is set to undergo surgery in Bordeaux for lower back issues, has refused to allow any club representatives to accompany him on the trip.

The operation, scheduled for Tuesday, is considered necessary due to persistent back pain that has troubled the player throughout the season.

The procedure itself is expected to sideline him for a considerable period, sparking concern at Barça, especially with the new campaign looming.

Club in the dark over recovery timeline

One of the key complications now is the handling of communication regarding Ter Stegen’s recovery.

Barcelona cannot legally reveal the full details of his injury or expected recovery time without his approval.

As a result, the official club statement following the surgery is expected to be vague, possibly limited to confirming that the operation was successful and stating that “his progress will determine his availability.”

This is especially important because there appears to be a gap between what Ter Stegen claims and what the club may want to disclose.

Barcelona are in limbo regarding Marc-Andre ter Stegen. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

While the goalkeeper has openly suggested he could be out for around three months, it remains unclear whether the club will confirm or contradict that estimate publicly.

Adding to the confusion, the detailed medical report from the specialist handling the surgery could suggest a longer recovery period, which could be up to four months or more.

Barcelona could seek financial relief

Should the committee approve the diagnosis and recovery timeline, Barcelona could take advantage of an important regulation.

If a player is ruled out for a long-term injury, the club is allowed to reclaim up to 80% of the player’s contract for the period they are unavailable.

This clause could provide some much-needed financial relief for the Catalan side, especially as they continue to balance their books.

This situation highlights the strained communication between one of the club’s most important figures and the management.

The fact that Ter Stegen chose to isolate himself from the club during a critical moment like surgery speaks volumes.

What is clear is that when he returns, he will no longer enjoy the same luxury he once did at the club.