Barcelona goalkeeper Ter Stegen to undergo back surgery

ISTANBUL

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc Andre ter Stegen would undergo surgery on a lower back injury.

"First team player Marc ter Stegen will undergo a surgical procedure this week to address the lower back issues he is experiencing," Barcelona said in a statement.

"Following the procedure, a new statement will be given," it added.

The 31-year-old German has been on the sidelines since mid-November and made 17 appearances this season.

In a post on X, he said: "The break obviously annoys me. It is the right and safe decision in order to come back in the best conditions for my Club @FCBarcelona and National Team @DFB_Team."

He helped the Spanish club win the 2014-15 UEFA Champions League title, the 2015-16 UEFA Super Cup, and the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup.

The Spanish club did not say how long he is expected to be sidelined.

Collecting 34 points, Barcelona are in third place in La Liga, four points behind leaders Real Madrid after 15 matches.