Germany sporting director Rudi Voller has made it clear once again that the stopper needs to be playing regularly before this summer's tournament in North America, Mexico and Canada. "Ter Stegen has to play. Especially after his injury, and given his injury history, he needs to get match fitness to regain his form. Regardless of his quality," Völler told Sport1.
Ahead of their Spanish Super Cup semi-final against Athletic Club, FC Barcelona announced that captain and veteran goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen had suffered a fresh injury. Indeed, the Blaugrana confirmed that the 33-year-old will be returning to Catalonia after his injury, suffered during a training session, with Diego Kochen set to take his place in the squad. Loan move in jeopardy?
The report explains that Ter Stegen has been working closely with the German Football Association, who have drawn up a personalised plan to make him Germany's starting goalkeeper at the next World Cup. This strategy does not require a full-time starting role in La Liga or the Champions League, but rather a carefully managed season focused on rhythm, fitness, and high-level competitive matches.