Barcelona and Germany goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen to have surgery on lower back injury - 'The right decision'

Goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is to have surgery on a lower back injury, Barcelona have confirmed.

The 31-year-old has been out of action since the middle of November with deputy Inaki Pena filling in between the sticks for his club. He also missed Germany’s defeats to Turkey and Austria.

A statement from Barcelona read: “First team player Marc ter Stegen will undergo a surgical procedure this week to address the lower back issues he is experiencing. Following the procedure, a new statement will be given.”

Ter Stegen posted on Twitter: "After intensive conversations with the medical team of the club and various supporting experts, we decided to undergo a surgical procedure.

"The break obviously annoys me. It is the right and safe decision in order to come back in the best conditions for my club Barcelona and national team Germany."

Ter Stegen – who made 17 appearances for Barcelona this season, keeping eight clean sheets – could be out injured for up to two months.

Barcelona are third in La Liga, four points behind leaders Real Madrid after 15 games.

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