FC Barcelona has officially announced that their starting goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, will be undergoing surgery due to a knee injury sustained in a recent match against Villarreal.
According to a statement released by the club on Monday, Ter Stegen will undergo a surgical procedure following the knee injury he suffered during the Villarreal game. Tests have revealed that he has a complete rupture of the patella tendon in his right knee.
The surgery is scheduled for Monday afternoon, and the club has promised to provide updates after the procedure.
The injury occurred during the first half of the match at the Estadio de la Cerámica when Ter Stegen awkwardly landed after collecting a Villarreal cross and had to be substituted for Iñaki Peña.
Ter Stegen, a crucial player for Barça this season, made his 289th appearance for the club in that match, surpassing Antoni Ramallets to become the third-highest in appearances for a Barça goalkeeper.
Barcelona secured a 5-1 victory over Villarreal with goals from Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, extending their perfect start to La Liga with a sixth consecutive league win. However, the win was overshadowed by the serious knee injury suffered by their goalkeeper during the match.
Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed concern over the severity of the injury, stating, “I think it will be a huge injury when he laid down on the field… you can see it directly.”