FC Barcelona and Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen has incurred a new injury during Spanish Supercup preparations in Saudi Arabia, leaving the country early. This latest blow follows Germany's recent demand for regular playing time to secure his 2026 World Cup spot, as the 32-year-old urgently needs match practice.
Marc-André ter Stegen, FC Barcelona's captain and Germany's national team goalkeeper, has encountered another injury hurdle. During training for the Spanish Supercup in Saudi Arabia, the 32-year-old ended the session 25 minutes early and has already departed, according to reports from newspaper »Sport«.
Barcelona confirmed second-team goalkeeper Diego Kochen will join the squad on Wednesday ahead of the semi-final against Athletic Bilbao, where Joan Garcia is expected to start regardless.
This incident comes shortly after Germany's sporting director Rudi Völler emphasized that Ter Stegen must secure regular minutes—whether at Barcelona or elsewhere—to earn his place at the 2026 World Cup. Having just returned from a prolonged back injury via a cup match comeback, Ter Stegen now faces heightened urgency. Discussions of a winter loan to FC Girona are underway to build his form.
The ongoing setbacks underscore the challenges for the former Borussia Mönchengladbach star, whose World Cup aspirations hinge on consistent play amid fierce competition.
