Injury Woes for Barcelona as Marc Andre ter Stegen Faces Potential 2 to 3 Months on the Sidelines

RAC1 reports that Marc-Andre ter Stegen may be sidelined for an extended period, ranging from 2 to 3 months, owing to a back issue affecting his leg. Despite initial attempts at conservative treatment, the German goalkeeper’s condition remains unresponsive, raising the likelihood of him undergoing surgery.

The unfortunate development places ter Stegen at risk of missing crucial fixtures, including the Champions League last 16 scheduled for late February and early March. The potential absence of the seasoned goalkeeper could pose a significant challenge for Barcelona as they navigate through important stages of the competition.

Stepping into ter Stegen’s shoes during this period of uncertainty will be Inaki Pena, who, at 24 years old, has showcased his capabilities with standout performances against Porto and Atletico Madrid. Despite a less-than-impressive outing against Rayo Vallecano, Pena’s recent form suggests that he is ready to shoulder the responsibility in the absence of Barcelona’s first-choice goalkeeper.

In the current season, ter Stegen has faced 15 goals in 17 games, managing to secure 8 clean sheets. His absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team, and the coming months will be a testing period for both Barcelona and their interim goalkeeper as they strive to maintain their competitive edge in various competitions.