Former Germany great Lothar Matthäus has said it would be "a personal tragedy" if a latest injury sustained by goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen would rule him out of the World Cup. 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.
Former Germany great Lothar Matthäus has said it would be "a personal tragedy" if a latest injury sustained by goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen would rule him out of the World Cup.
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.
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.
"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 winning captain Matthäus told Sky TV.
"That would be a personal tragedy and I feel very sorry for him."
Germany play two friendlies at the end of March against Switzerland and Ghana before coach Julian 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.
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.
Category: General Sports
