Barcelona veteran faces longer wait for medical clearance with return pushed to new year | Barca Universal

"It has now been over three months since the goalkeeper underwent back surgery. Initially, Ter Stegen himself had estimated his recovery period to be around three months, setting his own timeline via social media shortly after the operation. However, that timeframe has now expired, and he has still not returned to group training, although he has resumed training on the pitch."

"When the club attempted to send his medical report to La Liga for verification, Ter Stegen refused permission. This decision effectively blocked Barça from utilising 80% of his salary to register Joan Garcia, the goalkeeper already lined up to cover his absence. Barcelona later decided to discipline Ter Stegen, as the refusal complicated their administrative process and limited the club's financial flexibility within the league's strict salary rules."

"The origins of this dispute trace back to the pre-season, when Ter Stegen struggled with recurring back discomfort despite having finished the previous campaign strongly. In late July, he announced his intention to undergo surgery, estimating a three-month layoff. The operation was completed on July 29, and just days later, on August 4, the disciplinary conflict erupted after the goalkeeper declined to release his medical records to the league authorities."

Marc-Andre ter Stegen remains sidelined and is unlikely to receive medical clearance until late December or early January, prolonging his recovery beyond initial expectations. The goalkeeper underwent back surgery over three months ago and had privately estimated a roughly three-month layoff via social media. He has resumed on-pitch training but has not rejoined group sessions. The club's attempt to send his medical report to La Liga was refused by Ter Stegen, which prevented Barcelona from utilising 80% of his salary to register Joan Garcia. Barcelona disciplined Ter Stegen due to the administrative and financial complications caused by the refusal. The issue began in pre-season amid recurring back discomfort, with surgery completed on July 29 and the registration dispute emerging in early August.

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