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Barcelona have confirmed the nature of the injury suffered by goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen in a statement released via their social media account. The German goalkeeper sustained an injury in his side's 5-1 win over Villarreal on Sunday (September 22) and had to be taken off the pitch on a stretcher.
Ter Stegen started between the sticks for La Blaugrana as they sought to extend their 100% start to the season in La Liga against Villarreal. The German shot-stopper only managed to play 45 minutes before he picked up an injury and was replaced by Inaki Pena.
Barcelona manager Hansi Flick described the injury as 'serious' when asked about it after the game but could not give a definite response on its nature. The club has now confirmed the nature of the injury to the German goalkeeper, revealing that he has damaged his patellar tendon. A post on the club's X account read:
"Tests carried out on the first team player, Marc ter Stegen confirm that he has a complete rupture in the patella tendon in his right knee. On Monday afternoon, he will undergo a surgical process and once complete, a new update will be released."
The timeline of the recovery of the Germany international has been put at around seven to eight months by sources familiar with this sort of injury. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote on X:
"Barça confirm that Marc André ter Stegen has a complete rupture in the patella tendon in his right knee. The German goalkeeper will undergo surgery today as he will be out for 7/8 months."
Marc-Andre ter Stegen picked up his injury when he landed awkwardly after leaping to collect a cross delivered deep into his area. The goalkeeper was in apparent agony as he writhed on the floor holding his knee and screaming before he was carried off the pitch for examination.
The shot-stopper will miss the remainder of the 2024-25 season, leading his side to begin to look at alternative goalkeeper options. La Blaugrana will be permitted to sign an emergency replacement for free and have a number of options in their sights already.
Ter Stegen injury mars remarkable Barcelona win over Villarreal
The injury picked up by Barcelona captain Marc-Andre ter Stegen overshadowed his side's impressive display in their 5-1 win over Villarreal. La Blaugrana extended their 100% record to start the season in La Liga with a win over previously undefeated Villarreal.
Robert Lewandowski opened the scoring for Hansi Flick's side just 20 minutes in after latching onto a through ball from Pablo Torre and finishing calmly. The Poland international doubled his and his side's tally 15 minutes later with an improvised finish from close range.
The home side pulled one back through Ayoze Perez in the 38th minute before Torre scored in the 58th minute to restore their two-goal cushion. Raphinha scored twice in the 74th and 83rd minutes to round off the scoring at Estadio De La Ceramica and end Villarreal's unbeaten start to the season.
