National team manager comments on Barcelona superstar’s injury – ‘We will miss him’

Marc-Andre ter Stegen’s season came to an abrupt end when the Barcelona goalkeeper picked up a nasty knee injury against Villarreal on Sunday.

Although ter Stegen has gone through a successful surgery, he is likely to be out for the entire season.

Ter Stegen’s injury will be a blow not only for Barcelona but also for the German national team. The former Gladbach goalkeeper, after all, was recently anointed as Germany’s new number one, following the retirement of Manuel Neuer.

Julian Nagelsmann on ter Stegen’s injury

In a recent interaction, Nagelsmann has admitted that ter Stegen’s injury could be a major setback for Germany. But he backed the German to get back to full fitness and wished him luck for his recovery.

“The news of Marc’s injury has been a hard blow for us. We will miss him very much both in the national team and outside of it,” Nagelsmann said (h/t Mundo Deportivo).

“We wish Marc all the best in his operation and a speedy recovery. We will always be by his side on his return,” he added.

Germany consider Neuer return?

The report from Mundo Deportivo adds that Germany might be considering calling Neuer back from retirement, following ter Stegen’s season-ending injury.

The Bayern Munich superstar, aged 38, announced his retirement a few months ago. But he has still proven his ability to perform at the highest level.

Germany, therefore, could try and convince Neuer to momentarily return to the national team, especially with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.

Discounting Neuer’s possible return, Germany coach Nagelsmann is now left with limited options in goal, with Kevin Trapp, Alexander Nubel and Oliver Baumann likely to fight for a place in goal.

Ter Stegen, for his part, is hopeful he can recover and return to action before the end of the season, with the German eyeing a similar recovery as Real Madrid star Thibaut Courtois last season.