Marc-Andre ter Stegen to return to Barcelona with back injury
- Ter Stegen is set to miss Germany's upcoming international friendlies
- The goalkeeper has suffered a back injury
- Ter Stegen has become a regular for Germany recently, making eight appearances in 2023
Germany manager Julian Nagelsmann has confirmed that goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will miss both games during the November international break after picking up a back injury.
Having been Manuel Neuer's deputy for the bulk of his international career, Ter Stegen has begun to rack up Die Mannschaft caps thanks to a combination of Neuer's injury concerns and his own impressive form at club level.
Ter Stegen has been in stunning form for Barcelona over the last 18 months, conceding a measly 20 goals in La Liga during the 2021/22 season as his side won their first league title in four years.
That form has been rewarded with 11 senior caps in 2022 and 2023 at international level, however new manager Nagelsmann has now revealed that Ter Stegen has made his last appearance for Germany this year.
"Marc-Andre will miss both matches," Nagelsmann confirmed. "He has acute back pain. He will probably return to Barcelona. He can't train and he can't play.
"I can't say exactly what happened. My information is strong back pain which restricts his movement. He felt it a bit yesterday in training but today it got worse."
Barca will be hoping Ter Stegen's injury is not serious enough to keep him out of club action for an extended period. La Blaugrana face a number of tricky games in the coming weeks including clashes with the in-form Atletico Madrid and surprise La Liga table toppers Girona in quick succession heading into the Christmas period.
Having seen Arnau Tenas leave for Paris Saint-Germain this summer, Barcelona's only senior deputy for Ter Stegen is currently 24-year-old Inaki Pena, who is yet to play this season and has featured in just five matches since his return from loan with Galatasaray in 2022.
19-year-old Ander Astralaga has been called up to the first team this season but, like Tenas, has not played for Xavi yet and has instead been picking up his minutes with Rafa Marquez's Barca Atletic.
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