Misfortune struck Marc-Andre Ter Stegen when he suffered a tear in his left hamstring only days after joining Girona on loan from FC Barcelona in the January transfer window.
The 33-year-old goalkeeper underwent surgery to treat the problem in Finland and is now staring at a lengthy spell out on the sidelines.
Reports suggest that Ter Stegen could be out for at least three months, making it unlikely that he will play much this season.
The situation, in turn, has cast dark clouds over his chances of making it to the German national team squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Julian Nagelsmann on Ter Stegen
It is a severe setback for Ter Stegen, who has spent many years in the shadow of Manuel Neuer when it comes to the German national team.
Ter Stegen is out injured. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
Now, his possible participation in the World Cup has been addressed in recent hours by Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann, who made it clear that he is counting on the 33-year-old, but that if he is not fully fit, he will not be included in the squad.
“There are three things to consider with regard to the goalkeeper position,” Nagelsmann said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Acknowledging Ter Stegen’s difficult situation, he noted: “This is a tragic injury that I deeply regret.”
Then, he stated that out of respect for his goalkeeper: “I will never rule him out completely because it is his turn.”
However, Nagelsmann added: “We have to make the right decision for him and for us. And currently, the situation is not favourable,” suggesting Ter Stegen might not recover in time for the World Cup.