Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set for an extended period on the sidelines due to a serious knee injury, according to media reports.

The 32-year-old German international suffered a complete rupture of a tendon in his right knee during a 5-1 victory against Villarreal on Sunday, after falling awkwardly while collecting a cross.

Ter Stegen underwent surgery on Monday, with Spanish media reporting that he could be sidelined for up to seven months.

Coach Hansi Flick said: “We have to accept it. It’s not easy. It was an accident.”

Germany’s national team coach Julian Nagelsmann, who had recently made Ter Stegen his first-choice goalkeeper following Manuel Neuer’s retirement after Euro 2024, expressed his shock at the news.

“The news of Marc’s injury was a big shock for us,” he said. “We will miss him both on and off the field. We wish Marc all the best for the operation and a speedy recovery. We’ll always be there for him on his journey back.”