Barcelona veteran’s World Cup spot in danger as he faces 3-4 months out with injury | OneFootball

FC Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen, currently on loan at Girona, has suffered a serious thigh injury, as confirmed earlier today.

The German international signed for the Montilivi outfit only a week or so ago, having fallen down the pecking order under Hansi Flick at Barça.

One of the main reasons behind Ter Stegen’s move to Girona was his desire to get regular minutes so that he could go to the 2026 FIFA World Cup as Germany’s first-choice goalkeeper.

World Cup dream in danger

However, now, according to journalist Florian Plettenberg of Sky Germany, Ter Stegen’s participation in the World Cup later this year could be in danger.

The thigh injury that the 33-year-old shot-stopper has suffered is understood to be pretty serious and could sideline him for a prolonged period.

In fact, a report from RAC1 suggests that Ter Stegen could be out of action for as long as three to four months.

World Cup spot in jeopardy. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)

Such a scenario would certainly complicate his chances of making it to the German squad for the World Cup in North America.

More medical examinations will be conducted later today to fully assess the extent of his injury, but the early indications are not positive.

Once that is done, talks will be held between all parties, including Barcelona, to discuss Ter Stegen’s next move, with a potential return to Camp Nou not being ruled out.

This development comes as a bitter blow for the goalkeeper, who had already missed almost the entirety of the first half of the season after undergoing back surgery during the summer transfer window.

Since joining Girona on loan, Ter Stegen had made two appearances, but the injury could see him end his time at Montilivi prematurely.