dpa
Madrid
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen may reportedly have to undergo back surgery which could also impact his chances of being Germany’s number one at year’s Euro 2024 home tournament.
Ter Stegen, 31, missed recent matches for club and country over nagging back problems.
El Mundo Deportivo paper said that Barca officials and doctors would meet on Monday to decide the next steps, stating: "The alarm beels are ringing. An OP is looming.
Daily Sport said: "Nothing is decided yet but it is time to consider other options because conservative treatment is not bringing the expected results.” Coach Xavi Hernandez only admitted to some uncertainty after Sunday’s 1-0 victory against Atletico Madrid.
"Marc has some back aches and we will see how the week goes. He has these aches which he hasn’t been able to cure, and we will see,” Xavi said.
Youngster Inaki Pena has deputised for Ter Stegen at Barca in the latest games.
In the Germany team, Ter Stegen was first choice this year after Manuel Neuer broke his leg in December and didn’t return until late October. The two are expected to fight for first choice at the Euros but Neuer has had that role at every big tournament since 2010.
Bayern Munich’s Neuer is expected to return into the national team squad for March friendlies against France and the Netherlands.