Bad news for Barça. Ter Stegen will undergo surgery again after failing to recover from his lower back problems. The German has been dealing with discomfort for several weeks and has ultimately chosen to have surgery, which will keep him off the field for several months.
This is a significant loss for Hansi Flick, who loses his starting goalkeeper before the new season. The German had already been absent in recent matches, and the chosen medical solution has only confirmed the worst.
Joan García, a signing that makes sense
In this situation, Barça has acted quickly. The addition of Joan García has been well received by most of the fans, and now, with Ter Stegen's injury confirmed, it makes even more sense.
The young Espanyol goalkeeper arrives in full footballing maturity and after having had a great season. He won't just be a temporary fix: the club sees him as a real option for the medium and long term.
Hansi himself trusts García to compete head-to-head with Szczesny. Above all, to provide stability in a position where right now there are no certainties.
José Álvarez explodes live
José Álvarez, the journalist, hasn't remained silent in this situation. On El Chiringuito, he delivered a very harsh message toward Ter Stegen. His anger isn't just about the injury, but about the way the German goalkeeper has managed his recovery.
"He shouldn't wear the jersey anymore!" he said, unfiltered.
According to him, Ter Stegen would have forced his own medical roadmap, ignoring the recommendations of the club's medical staff. That has caused his surgery to be delayed, which directly harms the team.
"Doctors are the ones in charge. It can't be that a player imposes his decisions over the club," said José Álvarez, visibly upset.
A turning point?
The journalist's words have stirred up the Barça environment. Many fans are beginning to wonder if Ter Stegen's cycle is coming to an end. Although he has been key for years, some see in his attitude a gesture of arrogance unworthy of a captain.
The arrival of Joan García could mark a turning point. If the young goalkeeper responds well, with Szczęsny as a solid alternative, Barça could look to the future without depending so much on the German.
Meanwhile, Ter Stegen will have to recover and, perhaps, also reconnect with the club and its environment. What José Álvarez has made clear is that patience, in certain sectors, has already run out.