After two games in the service of FC Girona, Marc-André ter Stegen suffered a serious thigh injury. This is still bothering the German keeper – and his hopes of taking part in the World Cup continue to fade.
Due to a long-term back injury, Marc-André ter Stegen has only played in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey (2:0 at CD Guadalajara) for FC Barcelona this season. The 33-year-old finally went on loan within Catalonia to Girona, where he immediately played the first two La Liga games over the full distance – and then suffered another injury in the second game.
After the muscle injury in his left thigh even led to an operation, the dream of taking part in the World Cup next summer receded into the distance. At the end of March, national coach Julian Nagelsmann also confirmed that the goalkeeper had a “very, very small” chance of making the German squad for the major tournament in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Ter Stegen will “not force anything”
To TV3, ter Stegen gave an insight into the healing process, which is going “well”: “I’m leading a normal life, I feel good and I can move around more easily,” explained the German, who doesn’t seem to think his chances at the World Cup are too good: “At the moment, I’m a long way off. I feel pretty good and we have to do everything we can to keep me healthy.“
However, he won’t ”force anything, because health is the most important thing. But the desire to be at a World Championship and to have this experience is unique. Whether this wish will come true, however, seems highly questionable at the moment: “We’ll see at the end of the season whether I can make it, but it’s difficult,” admitted the goalkeeper. “Normally you’re out for a while with this injury.”
Originally, ter Stegen was chosen by the national team coach as Germany’s number one – the role now held by Oliver Baumann. In any case, the Mönchengladbach native is “very relaxed” and knows that his participation in the World Cup also depends on Nagelsmann and the doctors: “There are many factors that have to come together and I respect every decision that is made. We have a great team that will fight for everything,” said ter Stegen, looking ahead.
