Ter Stegen makes his decision and sets off the alarm: Barça and Girona are hurt

It is already official and there is no turning back. Marc-André ter Stegen will undergo surgery this Friday for the hamstring injury in his left leg that he suffered in the last match. The announcement, made by Girona FC, confirms a scenario that nobody wanted, but that is starting to become all too familiar for the German goalkeeper.

The surgery is a heavy blow on several fronts. It is a blow for the player himself, who saw in this loan a key opportunity, for Girona, which loses a major reinforcement. It is also a blow for FC Barcelona, which remains very alert to everything surrounding their goalkeeper.

A personal plan that falls apart

Ter Stegen arrived at Montilivi last January with a very clear idea: to feel important again. He needed minutes, match rhythm, and sensations to reconnect with the highest level. All of this came with a greater objective on the horizon: to keep real options of being at the 2026 World Cup with Germany.

However, the injury against Real Oviedo brought that plan to a sudden halt, and now the timelines are uncertain. In the best-case scenario, he could be sidelined for close to two months (dos meses), which would allow him to return at the beginning of April. In the worst case, the recovery time would stretch to four months (cuatro meses), which would mean saying goodbye to the season... and perhaps to his great international dream.

A medical history that raises concerns

The problem goes beyond this isolated injury. Ter Stegen has accumulated too many physical setbacks in recent times. A serious knee injury, back problems, and now this new muscle issue have prevented him from having continuity since June 2023.

With 34 years just around the corner, the concern is evident. At Girona they already assume that his sporting contribution may be very limited, and at Barça they observe the situation with unease. It is not only about the present, but also about what may come in the medium term with a player who still has a contract until 2028.

Barça and Girona, trapped in the same equation

From Girona's point of view, the surgery is a serious setback. The club was counting on the German's experience and leadership for the decisive stretch of the season. Now it will have to readjust its planning between the posts without knowing whether it will have him again in competitive condition.

For Barça, the problem is different but just as delicate. The blaugrana club continues to assume close to 95% of the player's salary during the loan, and his physical condition shapes any future plan. It is not ruled out that the recovery will take place at the blaugrana facilities; the decision has already been made and the consequences are yet to be seen.