According to the Spanish Daily Sports, Ter Stegen issued a statement on social media yesterday, announcing that he expected to be absent for about three months due to back surgery, which has caused strong dissatisfaction within the Barcelona club, and some even proposed to deprive the German captain of his armband.

Telstegen obviously knows that if he is out of the market for four months or more, the club can use 80% of his salary space to register new goalkeeper Joan Garcia in La Liga. The German himself claimed that he would be out of the league for three months, and the information was clear: he was unwilling to provide any convenience to the club. The club responded quickly, saying that according to medical experts, he will be out for about four to five months.

Terstegen has been angry at the club since learning that Barcelona will introduce Joan Garcia and let him go to free up his salary space. Within the club, his attitude at the end of the season was also not recognized. He made it clear that he just wanted to fulfill the contract and had no intention of leaving Barcelona. The club still respects Ter Stegen, but is dissatisfied with his attitude, especially his statement through social media. The club believes that he lacks team spirit, and some even propose to deprive him of his captain's armband because of this - he still retained his captain status when he was absent due to injury last season.

The final decision is in Frick's hands. The Barcelona head coach always emphasizes team balance and a good atmosphere, and regards it as an important factor in success. Players will also comment on this, and it remains to be seen whether the captain's armband belongs to the status quo or whether the team votes in the same team as in August last year.

Telstegen joined Barcelona from Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014 and has played for the team for 11 years. In September 2024, he suffered a serious knee injury during the game and missed most of last season.