Barcelona have suffered a major injury blow with goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen set for surgery on knee tendon rupture.
The Catalans enjoyed an emphatic victory at Estadio de la Ceramica, putting their UEFA Champions League loss at Monaco behind them, with a 5-1 victory that preserved their 100% record in Spain's top flight this season.
Robert Lewandowski and Raphinha each scored twice, sandwiching a goal from Pablo Torre, with the hosts' solitary effort from Ayoze Perez proving scant consolation.
While the result was definitely one to celebrate for Hansi Flick and his players, there was a significant setback when ter Stegen was stretchered off, and he now faces a long spell on the sidelines.
MORE: All the latest soccer news | Barcelona news | Real Madrid news
Marc-Andre ter Stegen injury update, return date
Ter Stegen, who had just denied Nicolas Pepe one-on-one with a fantastic save, hurt himself from the resulting corner in what looked like an innocuous incident.
The Germany international caught the delivery but looked in agony after landing with his right foot planted in the turf. His teammates immediately signalled to the bench that the keeper needed treatment.
Ter Stegen was later carried from the field on a stretcher with Flick hinting he feared the worst at full time.
Following tests today, Barcelona have sent their captain for surgery on a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee, with no formal update on his recovery schedule.
❗ [MEDICAL NEWS]
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) September 23, 2024
Tests carried out on the first team player, Marc ter Stegen confirm that he has a complete rupture in the patella tendon in his right knee. On Monday afternoon he will undergo a surgical process and once complete a new update will be released. pic.twitter.com/V00BNZRQOI
Barcelona are expected to offer details in the coming days, but ter Stegen's season could already be over, with rehabilitation for similar injuries taking around eight months.
