Earlier this month, it was announced that Barcelona shot-stopper Marc-André ter Stegen would be Germany’s new number one after the international retirement of Bayern Munich’s Manuel Neuer.
Having featured against Hungary and The Netherlands as Julian Naglesmann’s new first choice—keeping a clean sheet against the former—it had appeared as though the 32-year-old was finally set to make a name for himself on the international stage.
However, on Sunday evening against Villarreal, ter Stegen was stretchered off with what appears to be a serious injury.
After looking to claim the ball from a cross, the 32-year-old seemed to land unfortunately, falling to the ground in considerable discomfort.
According to a number of Spanish news outlets, there are fears that ter Stegen has injured his patellar tendon, which, if true, could leave the goalkeeper out for the remainder of the campaign.
Speaking to DAZN after the final whistle, Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick offered his first assessment of the injury:
“We have to wait for the examinations, but it looks like a serious injury.”
For ter Stegen, this injury could not have come at a more inconvenient time, but for the likes of Alexander Nübel and Oliver Baumann, it could be an opportunity to establish themselves as Germany’s new number one.
GGFN | Will Shopland
