Overview
- The Germany goalkeeper suffered a left hamstring injury with possible tendon involvement during his second appearance for Girona at Oviedo.
- Girona said the length of his absence will be set after the operation, with published estimates ranging from roughly two to four months.
- The setback puts his 2026 World Cup availability in doubt after he moved on a six‑month loan from Barcelona to regain minutes.
- Paulo Gazzaniga will cover the position for Girona, which had earlier ruled out an immediate return of Ter Stegen to Barcelona as it awaited full assessment.
- Barcelona continues to cover most of his salary under a contract through 2028, while his long injury record has drawn concern from figures such as Julian Nagelsmann and Lothar Matthäus.