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 Monday statement from the club’s website, Barça announced, “The Barça goalkeeper will undergo a surgical process on Monday following the knee injury sustained in the game against Villarreal.”
Tests have revealed the full extent of the damage. “Tests carried out on the first team player Marc ter Stegen confirm that he has a complete rupture of the patella tendon in his right knee,” the statement added.
The surgery is set for Monday afternoon, with the club promising further updates once the procedure is complete.
The injury occurred during the first half at the Estadio de la Cerámica when Ter Stegen awkwardly landed after collecting a Villarreal cross.
“The German international was visibly in pain and was quickly replaced by Iñaki Peña,” the club noted.
Ter Stegen, who has been a key figure 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.
“This season the Barça captain has started every game. His appearance against Villarreal was his 289th in a Blaugrana shirt and took him past legendary Blaugrana keeper Antoni Ramallets into third place on the all-time list of appearances for goalkeepers,” it concluded.
PUNCH Online reported that Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha struck twice each as Barcelona romped to a 5-1 win at Villarreal on Sunday in a wild match to maintain their perfect start to La Liga.
The leaders’ sixth straight league triumph was marred by a serious knee injury to the goalkeeper, who was taken off on a stretcher.
“I think it will be a huge injury when he laid down on the field… you can see it directly,” Barcelona coach Hansi Flick told DAZN.