Berlin [Germany], February 4: Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann appears to be among those who believe that his first choice goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will be sidelined for another lengthy period as the World Cup draws closer.
Spanish media have reported that Ter Stegen could face two months on the sidelines with a thigh muscle injury he sustained while playing for Girona in LaLiga on Saturday.
The club has confirmed the injury and further examinations but has not said how long the 33-year-old will be out of action.
"Marc had just returned and was on a really good path, we were looking forward to his national team return. Now we still have to do without him - but this setback is much tougher for Marc," Nagelsmann said on Tuesday.
Ter Stegen joined Girona on loan in January from Barcelona, where he is no longer first choice, to get the playing he needs to retain his number one status in the German national team.
He has played only three matches since undergoing back surgery in July, and the latest injury could prove costly.
Germany play two friendlies at the end of March against Switzerland and Ghana before Nagelsmann nominates his World Cup squad. The last tune-up games are against Finland and co-hosts United States in the final World Cup countdown.
Nagelsmann's statement seemed to imply that he doesn't expect Ter Stegen to be fit for the March games.
"All that counts at the moment is: Getting healthy, without pressure.
We are all standing behind him," Nagelsmann said.
Former Germany captain Lothar Matthaus said earlier he fears that the latest setback may end Ter Stegen's World Cup dream.
"If it is confirmed it will be until the end of March before he can play again. Then he would probably have to write off the World Cup," the 1990 World Cup winner Matthaus told Sky TV.
"That would be a personal tragedy and I feel very sorry for him." Ter Stegen has 44 Germany caps but was only named first choice when Manuel Neuer retired from the national team after Euro 2024. Ter Stegen was reserve keeper at the last two World Cups and his only title while playing is the 2017 Confederations Cup where Neuer didn't play.
Oliver Baumann deputised in all World Cup qualifiers in autumn when Ter Stegen was sidelined. He would be the first candidate for the World Cup if Ter Stegen doesn't make it.
But the length of Ter Stegen's injury could also re-ignite a debate on a return of Neuer, something the 2014 World Cup winner has so far categorically ruled out.
Neuer and Baumann face each other in the Bundesliga on Sunday when leaders Bayern Munich with Neuer play Baumann's third-placed Hoffenheim.
Source: Qatar Tribune
