'He's No. 1 he knows that' - Marc-Andre ter Stegen given reassurance over Germany place as Julian Nagelsmann backs goalkeeper

Germany manager Nagelsmann is planning the upcoming World Cup with Ter Stegen between the sticks, despite his injury and problems with Barcelona.

After missing most of last season due to injury, the goalkeeper has been told that he is no longer first choice following the summer arrival of Joan Garcia from Espanyol. He has since been ruled out for months after undergoing back surgery, further complicating his chances of earning a place in Hansi Flick's starting XI. With the World Cup coming next year, there have been fears that Ter Stegen will lose his place in the Germany team and that Manuel Neuer could be brought out of retirement to replace him - as was the case when Barca signed Wojciech Szczesny last summer.

Nagelsmann has denied he is considering replacing Ter Stegen ahead of the tournament next year and assumes that the 33-year-old will get his place back at Barca in the winter.

The Germany manager said: "He is number one if he is healthy and number one in the club. He knows that. In my mind, I know that Marc will come back in December, then play the two games in March, in June too, and then play the World Cup. It's been a really tough time for Marc. I have a great exchange with him; he's able to assess the situation correctly."

Barcelona will claim that Ter Stegen is expected to be out for around four months after is operation. If La Liga approve of their report, Barca will be able to use 80 per cent of Ter Stegen's salary to register Garcia.