FC Barcelona has confirmed that their first-team goalkeeper, Marc-André ter Stegen, will undergo surgery following a knee injury sustained during the match against Villarreal.
In a statement released on Monday, the club announced, "The Barça goalkeeper will undergo surgery on Monday following the knee injury sustained in the game against Villarreal." Medical tests revealed that Ter Stegen has suffered 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 is completed. The injury occurred in the first half of the match at Estadio de la Cerámica, when Ter Stegen awkwardly landed after collecting a cross from Villarreal. He was quickly substituted by Iñaki Peña after being visibly in pain.
Ter Stegen has been a pivotal figure for Barça this season, and his appearance in the Villarreal match marked his 289th game for the club, surpassing Antoni Ramallets to become the third-highest in appearances for a Barcelona goalkeeper.
Despite Barcelona's dominant 5-1 victory over Villarreal, highlighted by two goals each from Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha, the triumph was overshadowed by Ter Stegen’s serious injury. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed his concern, saying, "It looks like a significant injury. You could tell immediately when he lay down on the field."
