Barcelona has officially announced that goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will undergo surgery for his back injury. Ter Stegen, who had been absent from Barcelona’s recent matches due to the ailment, had initially hoped to avoid surgery, but the decision has now been made to proceed with a surgical solution.
As a consequence, Ter Stegen is anticipated to be sidelined for at least two months. This extended absence raises concerns about his participation in the Champions League knockout stages, which commence on February 13, 2024. The timeline provides Ter Stegen with approximately three months to regain full fitness.
During Ter Stegen’s recovery, Barcelona’s manager, Xavi, will continue to place his trust in 24-year-old Inaki Pena. Pena has impressively started the last three games, notably catching attention in the recent 1-0 victory over Atletico Madrid.
Get Instantly Update By: Joining Our Whatapps and Telegram Channel
“Inaki Pena is such an example,” praised Xavi after the last match. “He trains hard, and that’s why he performs the way he does. He gets ten out of ten for some extraordinary saves.”
Having signed a new three-year contract at Camp Nou during the summer, Pena has been preferred by Barcelona over Arnau Tenas, who left for Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer. Pena is set to maintain his starting position, featuring in at least eight La Liga games if Ter Stegen’s absence spans two months.
As Barcelona faces high-flying Girona on Sunday, Xavi’s team, currently trailing Girona and league leaders Real Madrid by four points, will rely on Pena’s goalkeeping prowess in the upcoming matches.