Barcelona star withdraws from Germany squad with "acute back pain"

The Catalans have been handed another major injury blow in the international break.

Marc-Andre ter Stegen has left Germany’s camp with a back issue, missing Die Mannschaft’s upcoming matches against Turkey and Austria.

Ter Stegen has established his place as Germany’s No.1 keeper since Manuel Neuer’s injury last year. The Barcelona star hopes to maintain his place in the national team’s starting lineup for next year’s Euros. However, a back problem has prevented him from playing for Germany in their upcoming friendly matches.

Speaking in a press conference on Friday, Julian Nagelsmann revealed Ter Stegen will soon return to Barcelona to start his rehab process.

“Marc-André ter Stegen will miss both games because he has acute back pain,” the Germany manager said.

“He will fly back to Barcelona tomorrow. I hope he’ll be fit soon and get back to the pitch with his team.”

Ter Stegen is expected to undergo further tests upon his return to Barcelona. The extent of the goalkeeper’s injury is not determined yet.

Barcelona will face Rayo Vallecano in their first match after the international break. The Catalans will then take on Porto in the Champions League before returning to La Liga for crucial matches against Atletico Madrid and Girona in early December.