Barcelona specify four-month injury lay-off for Marc-Andre ter Stegen in effort to free up his salary despite goalkeeper's attempt to undermine club

According to a report from AS, Barcelona's medical report to the league will specify a four-month lay-off for goalkeeper after his recent back surgery. The report, authored by surgeon Amelie Leglise, was promptly prepared after the operation and forms part of a detailed documentation package Barcelona must submit to La Liga's medical committee. The club aim to have 80 per cent of Ter Stegen’s salary freed up for registration purposes under La Liga's injury provision, a rule that applies if a player is ruled out for at least four months. This move comes even as Ter Stegen himself declared on social media that his expected absence would be three months, a figure that does not meet the threshold for the salary exemption. Barcelona’s report will be reviewed by an independent panel of doctors appointed by La Liga.

The discrepancy between the club's official timeline and Ter Stegen's public prognosis highlights ongoing tensions between player and management. Ter Stegen’s three-month estimate was perceived by club executives as potentially undermining Barcelona’s financial strategy, which hinges on satisfying La Liga’s requirements to register new signings such as Joan Garcia, who has replaced the German as first choice goalkeeper. Barcelona, already exceeding their salary cap, are under financial constraint and need this long-term injury ruling to facilitate the squad’s registration process. The club will provide extensive medical evidence, including recovery guidelines, imaging and assessments, to support their claim. Final approval rests with La Liga’s committee, which recently ruled in Barcelona’s favour in a similar case involving Andreas Christensen.

Under La Liga rules, clubs can use 80% of a long-term injured player’s salary to register new signings if a four-month lay-off is certified.

Barcelona has up to 30 days to complete and submit the medical file, but intend to present it as early as next week. La Liga will then decide if the four-month absence is sufficiently substantiated to trigger the salary exemption. With Ter Stegen dropped to third choice by Hansi Flick, the 33-year-old faces an uncertain future at the Catalan side.