Barcelona star goes under the knife to cure niggling back injury

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has undergone what the club has described as "successful" surgery on the back injury that has forced him to miss recent games.

Ter Stegen hasn’t played for Barca since before the November international break and his fitness was being assessed game to game, dependent on pain and discomfort from his back.

The decision for surgery to treat the problem was initially delayed but has now been taken.

“First team player Marc ter Stegen has successfully undergone surgery for his lower back issues,” Barca confirmed on Friday morning. The operation was carried out by Dr. Amelie Leglise under the supervision of Barca medical staff at a clinic near Bordeaux in France.

The club have not publicly put forward any timeframe for Ter Stegen's absence, other than his "recovery will determine his availability".

Previous reports at a time when Barca were delaying the decision whether to opt for surgery or not, suggested going under the knife would mean two months on the sidelines.

The projection would put Ter Stegen's return around mid-February and potentially also makes the German international a doubt for the first leg of a Champions League last 16 tie.

It is a blow for Ter Stegen, who was promoted to the role of Barca's second captain this season following summer exits for Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. As a result of Sergi Roberto's regular absence, he has usually been wearing the armband on the pitch.

With Ter Stegen out, Inaki Pena has been deputising and has already played in games against Rayo Vallecano, Porto and Atletico Madrid. The 24-year-old has been with the club since the age of 13 and played 63 times for Barcelona B until being promoted to the first-team squad ahead of last season.

Prior to coming into the lineup in recent weeks, Pena had made only five senior appearances but will now get an extended run in the team while Ter Stegen recovers.

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