“I feel positive and strong” - Barcelona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen shares message following severe injury 

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has posted a message on social media following his potentially season-ending injury suffered in the 5-1 La Liga win at Villarreal on Sunday (September 22).

Hansi Flick's side continued their rousing start to their league campaign with a sixth straight win. Braces from Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha powered the Blaugrana to an emphatic win at the El Madrigal to remain top of the standings.

However, the win was soured by Ter Stegen's injury, with the Germany international injuring the patellar tendon in his right knee, which could rule him out for seven to eight months (as per AS).

The 32-year-old has shared his gratitude for the support he has received as he begins his long road to recovery, tweeting:

"I feel truly grateful to all the Barça fans, teammates, rivals, clubs and friends for the support and love you've shown me since Sunday. I want to thank the Villarreal supporters for their respect displayed in the stadium, it means a lot to me. I feel positive and strong, now I focus on my recovery. Thank you!"

To mitigate the potentially long absence of their captain, Barca have drawn up a list of free-agent goalkeepers (as per ESPN). Keylor Navas, Loris Karius and Jordi Masip are some of the options as Inaki Pena is set to be the club's No. 1.

Even former Barcelona goalkeeper Claudi Bravo - who announced his retirement in August - might be another option.

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Ilkay Gundogan wishes 'speedy recovery' to former Barcelona teammate Marc-Andre ter Stegen

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has wished his former Barcelona teammate Marc-Andre ter Stegen a swift recovery. The two played together at the Camp Nou last season and are teammates in the Germany national team.

Gundogan moved to Barca last season - contributing five goals and 14 assists in 51 games across competitions - before returning to his former side Manchester City this summer.

Following the injury to his compatriot, Gundogan posted a message on X, which read:

"I feel so sorry for you. Wishing you a speedy recovery and all the best my friend! Stay strong!"

Gundogan and Ter Stegen have played 56 games together for club and country, winning 34 times and losing nine. Twenty-two of these games have come with Germany, who reached the Euro 2024 quarter-final, losing 2-1 to eventual champions Spain.