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Marc-Andre ter Stegen is facing a tough period in his career after sustaining a major hamstring injury barely two matches into his loan stint with Girona. The German goalkeeper is expected to be sidelined for a minimum of two months, with growing concerns that surgical intervention might be necessary to repair the damage. Both Barcelona and Girona have now entered urgent discussions about possibly terminating his loan contract, leaving the Blaugrana in a race against time to find a replacement before the transfer window closes.

A nightmare beginning at Montilivi

What was meant to be a chance for Ter Stegen to revive his career has quickly turned into a nightmare. After joining Girona during the January transfer window to secure regular playing time, the veteran German shot-stopper has seen his spell at Estadi Montilivi cut short almost as soon as it began.

The injury occurred during a recent match against Real Oviedo. Although initial on-field checks suggested a simple muscle strain, reports from Cadena SER and Radio Girona indicate that subsequent examinations have revealed a far more serious situation. The damage to his hamstring has been described as “worse than originally feared,” casting significant doubt over his short-term future.

Ter Stegen had moved to Girona hoping to rediscover his form and fitness after losing his starting place at Barcelona following Joan Garcia’s arrival last summer. Unfortunately, he now faces an extended spell on the sidelines, with early medical reports suggesting he could be out for more than two months. For a goalkeeper in his mid-30s, such an injury can be especially challenging to overcome, and sources close to the player suggest the atmosphere around his camp is sombre as they await the final medical assessment.

Barcelona and Girona discussing early loan end

The severity of the injury has prompted immediate coordination between the medical and sporting departments of both Barcelona and Girona. With Ter Stegen expected to miss a large portion—if not all—of the season, the justification for keeping him on loan has diminished considerably.

According to Cadena SER, Barcelona are fully aware of the seriousness of the situation and have not dismissed the idea of recalling him immediately. The club’s medical team prefers to oversee the rehabilitation of their key players directly, particularly in cases where surgery might be required. Should the “definitive diagnosis” confirm a tear that needs an operation, the loan deal is expected to be cancelled so that Ter Stegen can undergo treatment and recovery at Barcelona’s Ciutat Esportiva training facilities.

Although no official statement has been made yet, the close communication between the two clubs suggests a resolution is near. For Girona, continuing to pay the wages of an unavailable player makes little financial sense, while for Barcelona, bringing him back ensures they can manage his recovery process internally.

Fears of surgery as medical teams await final results

While the current estimate puts his absence at around two months, there are real concerns that the layoff could extend further. Medical experts are waiting for the swelling to subside before conducting the final set of scans to determine the exact grade of the injury. If surgical repair is indeed necessary, Ter Stegen’s season would almost certainly be over.

The goalkeeper is scheduled for further medical tests on Monday to outline a clear recovery plan. Club sources have acknowledged that this is a “significant injury” likely to influence his short-term future, regardless of whether he remains registered with Girona or returns to Barcelona during rehabilitation.

Girona’s transfer dilemma on deadline day

Ter Stegen’s injury has created immediate complications for Girona’s sporting management. With the transfer window about to close, the club faces a difficult situation. Losing their first-choice goalkeeper for a long period leaves them with limited options between the posts for the rest of the season.

The injury has forced a last-minute rethink of Girona’s transfer strategy. The club can no longer afford to wait and hope for a rapid recovery. Reports suggest they are now actively searching for a temporary replacement to strengthen their goalkeeping department before the window shuts.

Girona’s management hopes to receive a clearer medical update soon to make a firm decision on possible signings. It’s a frustrating twist for the club, which believed it had resolved its goalkeeping issue with Ter Stegen’s arrival—only for those plans to collapse after just 180 minutes of competitive action.