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Ter Stegen will miss the 2026 World Cup. |
Coach Julian Nagelsmann included Manuel Neuer in Germany's squad for the 2026 World Cup, despite the veteran goalkeeper having announced his retirement from the national team in 2024. This change of heart stems from the persistent injury of Ter Stegen, who endured a tumultuous season with Barcelona and Girona.
Ter Stegen was once expected to be Germany's first-choice goalkeeper for the 2026 World Cup. However, fitness issues have become a major obstacle, causing his career to go through a difficult period. After moving to Girona on loan in January to regain his match fitness, Ter Stegen suffered another hamstring injury in just his second game.
In the last two years, Ter Stegen has been sidelined for a total of 441 days and missed 92 matches for both Barcelona and the German national team.
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Ter Stegen did not recover from his injury in time. |
The dark period began with a lower back problem at the end of 2023. Before he could fully recover, he suffered an even bigger blow when he sustained a hamstring injury in the La Liga match against Oviedo on January 31st, forcing him to undergo surgery.
While Ter Stegen struggled with his recovery, Neuer displayed consistent form for Bayern. This led coach Nagelsmann to decide to recall the veteran goalkeeper to the German national team for the biggest football tournament on the planet.
Coach Nagelsmann had previously stated that he had faith in Ter Stegen's return, but that didn't materialize. "I had plans for Ter Stegen to play when he was fit. Of course, he needs regular playing time, and he knows that," the Germany coach shared.
Perhaps the greatest tragedy in Ter Stegen's career lies not in the recurring injuries, but in the fact that throughout his peak years, he remained in the shadow of Neuer. Just when the opportunity to shine at the 2026 World Cup presented itself, fate once again turned its back on him.
Source: https://znews.vn/bi-kich-bong-da-cua-ter-stegen-post1653143.html
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