Barcelona confirm Marc-Andre ter Stegen's successful surgery but stop short of return timeline after goalkeeper's statement upset La Liga champions

Barcelona published an official statement concerning Ter Stegen's successful surgery on his lower back, but did not mention any definitive timeline regarding his recovery amid reports that the club is angry with the goalkeeper for not informing them about the operation.

Ter Stegen was out of action between seven to eight months last season after suffering a serious knee injury. With fitness problems, age catching up to him, and an evident decline in performances, Barcelona signed Joan Garcia from Espanyol this summer and hoped to offload the club captain. However, Ter Stegen has remained stubborn in his desire to remain at the Camp Nou, having a contract until 2028.

What's more, amid their ongoing financial troubles, Barca hoped to register Garcia using 80 per cent of Ter Stegen's salary, had he been declared to stay on the sidelines for at least four months. But the 33-year-old put a spanner in their works by announcing a solo statement post-surgery, confirming that he will need just three months to recover. It was a move that left Barca fuming, as journalist Alex Pintanel reported that the club were in the dark as far as the goalkeeper's actions were concerned.

The Catalans published an official medical report on their website, stating: "First-team player Marc ter Stegen has successfully undergone further surgery for his lower back problems, performed by Dr. Amélie Léglise under the supervision of the club’s Medical Services at Sports Clinic Bordeaux Merignac. He is unavailable for selection, and his recovery will determine when he can return."

It remains to be seen whether Garcia can be registered by the club without any hassle. The league begins in three weeks, and Ter Stegen's departure has been all but ruled out following his surgery.