Marc-Andre ter Stegen to miss Euro 2020
Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is all set to miss the European Championships with Germany this summer.
The 29-year-old has confirmed that he is set to undergo knee surgery later this month.
Ter Stegen a top-class goalkeeper but his absence during the European Championships is unlikely to be a major problem for its country because of the presence of Manuel Neuer.
The Bayern Munich goalkeeper is the captain of the national team and Ter Stegen and is often used as an understudy by manager Joachim Low.
Barcelona said in a statement: “The first team player Marc ter Stegen will undergo a therapeutic procedure on the patellar tendon in his right knee on Thursday the 20th of May in Malmo by Dr Hakan Alfredson and under the supervision of the club’s medical services.”
On Instagram Ter Stegen said: “I’m disappointed about [Sunday’s] defeat and that now we can no longer win La Liga. After a complicated start to the season, we showed good character going 19 matches unbeaten — but we weren’t able to keep this form.
“I have decided together with the medical team of the club that I will do a complementary intervention on my knee. I’m sad that I will miss the EURO 2020 this summer with Germany.
“For the first time in many years, I will be a fan at home supporting my country; I hope we win it!
“After the summer break, when we are back on the pitch, I hope to be able to play with fans once again; I miss it!
“Thank you for your support throughout a difficult season, and stay healthy!”
Muller and Hummels set for Germany return
Meanwhile, the German national team manager is expected to bring back Thomas Muller and Mats Hummels into the squad for the Euros.
The German national team is set to be announced on the 19th of May, and it will be interesting to see which players make the cut eventually.
Hummels and Muller have been frozen out of the national team for the last couple of years. Still, both players are highly experienced, and they have the quality to make a big difference on the international stage for their country.
Germany will be hoping to win the European Championships after a mediocre World Cup campaign. It remains to be seen whether Joachim Low can win another major trophy before stepping down as the Germany manager after the European Championships.
