Worst-case scenario for Marc-Andre ter Stegen! Barcelona confirm goalkeeper & captain ruptured knee tendon in horror injury against Villarreal & has undergone surgery

Barcelona captain Ter Stegen has not been in the best form over the last year and a half but remained a major part of the leadership team under Hansi Flick. After a poor performance in midweek against Monaco, the German started well against Villarreal as he made a couple of crucial saves. But due to an untimely injury, the 32-year-old was forced to depart the game before halftime at Estadio de la Ceramica as he was being stretchered off the pitch.

The early indications were not positive and after carrying out tests, Barcelona announced on Monday that Ter Stegen has a complete rupture in the patella in his right knee. The club later announced that he had a successful operation. He is now expected to miss the rest of the season as the Catalan club will now have to rely on Inaki Pena and Ander Astralaga to fill the void.

An update from the club read: "Ter Stegen underwent successful surgery this afternoon on a patellar tendon injury in his right knee, performed by Dr Joan Carles Monllau under the supervision of the FC Barcelona Medical Services at the Hospital de Barcelona. He will be unavailable for selection until he has fully recovered."

With both Pena and Astralaga not having had a lot of senior-level action in their careers, it has been debated whether Barcelona may sign a new keeper as a replacement for Ter Stegen. When pressed on the topic, Flick said to the media: "Signing a replacement for Ter Stegen? I don't like this question. Please understand that I am very sad right now and I don't want to talk about this topic right now."

The German will now undergo surgery and look to return strong for next season, meanwhile, Barcelona will likely look to sign a senior replacement with former legend Claudio Bravo having offered to come out of retirement if the club asked him to. However, in the highest likelihood, they may stick with Pena at least until January and then look to make a signing.