Article by Aurelian Botezatu – Published Monday, February 02, 2026, 3:08 p.m. / Updated Monday, February 02, 2026, 3:09 p.m.
The goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen was borrowed by Barcelona his Gironauntil the end of the season, but he could be forced to return to Camp Nou.
The goalkeeper of the German national team suffered a muscle sprain in the match with Oviedo, which endangers his future in Girona, as well as his presence at the 2026 World Cup in the summer.
Marc-Andre ter Stegen, sprain and possible tendon damage
According to the Jijantes portal, quoted by the daily Marca, the German could also have injuries to a tendon, which would require a surgical intervention as soon as possible.
The preliminary tests he underwent do not look good at all and the results of some more detailed ones are awaited to determine exactly the severity of the injury. If the question of an operation arises, Ter Stegen would take a break of at least two monthswhich would also compromise his loan at Girona.
“He may have to return to Barcelona,” write Marca and Mundo Deportivo. But in the Blaugrana group, the door is practically closed. In the hierarchy of goalkeepers of the champion of Spain, Joan Garcia is number 1, while Wojciech Szczęsny is the first reserve.
Nightmare scenario: back to Barcelona, goodbye World Cup 2026
Basically, even if he recovered in time to be able to defend, Ter Stegen would effectively have nowhere! Which would also cost him his job at the national team. The selector of the German national team, Julian Nagelsmann drew his attention since the summer that, in order to be among the goals at the 2026 World Cup, he must evolve not only well, but also constantly.
Te Stegen also missed the first half of the season with a back injury that required surgery. Practically, he ticked only 3 games this season. One in the Spanish Cup, at Barcelona, and two in La Liga, between Girona's goals.
