It gets worse for Marc-Andre ter Stegen! Barcelona goalkeeper in danger of falling down Germany pecking order as Julian Nagelsmann considers alternative options ahead of World Cup

Ter Stegen is scheduled to undergo surgery this Tuesday to address recurring lower back issues that have ruled him out for a few months. His injury absence further complicates his situation, keeping him sidelined after losing out on being first choice goalkeeper at Barca, while he will not be able to make a transfer this summer in order to find first-team football ahead of next year's World Cup.

Nagelsmann initially backed Ter Stegen to be Germany’s No.1 for the 2026 World Cup, especially after long-time first-choice Manuel Neuer retired from national team duty. However, with the Barcelona shot-stopper unavailable, Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann has emerged as the frontrunner, despite having just four caps, according to AS. The situation is fluid, and Neuer’s return is being seriously discussed within the national setup.

At 33, Ter Stegen has 44 international appearances for Germany. In contrast, Neuer has 124 caps. Had Ter Stegen remained fit and active, he was widely expected to be the default starter for the World Cup. However, now, even that is up in the air.

Germany's coaching staff will monitor Baumann closely over the coming months, with Ter Stegen’s recovery timeline still unclear. If Neuer does return and proves fit, Nagelsmann might have a major selection dilemma ahead of the 2026 World Cup.