The current situation of Ter Stegen is anything but simple. The German, captain of FC Barcelona, has seen how this summer they've signed his generational replacement and he's lost his spot. To make matters worse, he returned from vacation suffering a relapse of a back injury, which forced him to undergo surgery. Even though he mentioned 3 months, it seems that the doctors' diagnosis points to a 4-5 month recovery (4-5 months).
Nagelsmann sends a warning to Ter Stegen
Neuer's retirement from the Germany national team has opened a door for Ter Stegen that he didn't expect. He was the starter in the Nations League Final Four and he also wants to be the starter in the next World Cup. He knows this is his last chance to be important for his nation in a top-level tournament and he doesn't want to let it slip away.
Even though he chose to stay at Barça knowing about his complicated situation, Julian Nagelsmann has spoken up. The German coach hasn't held back and has reviewed the situation of Barça's captain. He sent him a clear public message: if he wants to be important in the World Cup, he must have playing time at his club during the season.
Nagelsmann said: "Right now there's another goalkeeper who will play, and I can't reveal his name so as not to get ahead of events. If Marc becomes the starting goalkeeper for his club again, he could definitely be our first-choice goalkeeper, because he deserves it. But he must meet the necessary conditions, like any other player."
In this regard, the Germany coach concluded: "After the rehabilitation period, he should return to play for the club and be number one there, so we'll see."
Complicated situation for Ter Stegen
While injured and with his replacement in Barcelona, Ter Stegen knows he's facing a very complex situation. Hansi Flick doesn't count on him and he hasn't wanted to leave, to the point of undergoing surgery to avoid his departure.
It seems he'll be sidelined for about four months (4 months), returning practically at the end of the year. He'll do so without physical rhythm and in very questionable conditions. Joan García and Szczesny are ahead of him (and will remain so).
Having received the warning from Julian Nagelsmann and knowing that it'll be impossible to fulfill his role at Barça, a likely scenario would be his departure in January. We'll have to wait, but Ter Stegen knows he's in a very complicated scenario to be able to fulfill his dream with Germany.