by Oliver Trust
BERLIN, July 29 (Xinhua) -- While Marc-Andre ter Stegen's demotion at FC Barcelona continues to dominate headlines, the situation is also creating uncertainty for the German national team.
With just a year to go before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann must now reassess his goalkeeper plans. Ter Stegen announced he will be sidelined for at least three months due to back surgery, compounding concerns after reports emerged that Barcelona no longer see him as a first-choice option.
Following the summer signing of 24-year-old Joan Garcia from Espanyol and the contract extension of 35-year-old Wojciech Szczesny, Barcelona reportedly informed Ter Stegen that he is now third in the pecking order and encouraged him to seek a transfer to maintain regular playing time. His absence - first due to a knee injury last season, and now due to surgery - has prompted speculation about his future with both club and country.
Stuttgart's Alexander Nubel, 28, and Hoffenheim's Oliver Baumann, 35, filled in during Ter Stegen's previous injury spell in late 2024 and early 2025. But their limited experience - with just two and four senior caps respectively - has fueled speculation that Manuel Neuer may be set for a return to the Germany squad.
"Germany needs Manuel Neuer," said 1974 World Cup-winning goalkeeper Sepp Maier. "I'm sure he would be open to a call." Fellow legend Lothar Matthaus also urged Nagelsmann to at least consider recalling the 38-year-old Bayern veteran, who retired from Germany duty last August. "I wouldn't rule out Ter Stegen returning in time for 2026," Matthaus said, "but the coach must prepare alternatives."
According to Kicker, Freiburg's 23-year-old Noah Atubolu - Germany's current U21 goalkeeper - is being considered as a "bold signal" for the future.
Ter Stegen briefly returned to action in June for the UEFA Nations League finals, only to be sidelined again. With his recovery now expected to stretch past the winter break, a move to secure more playing time seems unlikely until 2026 preparations are already well underway.
Former Bayer Leverkusen keeper Rene Adler is among several pundits urging Ter Stegen to leave Barcelona if he wants to retain his spot in the national team. Yet media reports suggest the player may also lose the Barcelona captaincy, as the club reportedly plans to hand the armband to another senior figure.
Under contract at Barcelona until 2028, Ter Stegen is set to undergo surgery in Bordeaux on Tuesday. In the meantime, Nagelsmann is expected to rely on Nubel and Baumann for Germany's September qualifiers against Slovakia and Northern Ireland, with the long-term solution still up in the air. ■
