Barcelona Goalkeeper Ter Stegen Undergoes Successful Knee Surgery, Out for Eight Months

Barcelona's goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has successfully undergone surgery on his right knee after a patella tendon rupture. Sustained during Barca's victory over Villarreal, the injury will sideline Ter Stegen for at least eight months. Inaki Pena will replace him for upcoming LaLiga and Champions League matches.

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen has successfully undergone surgery following a patella tendon rupture in his right knee, the LaLiga club confirmed on Monday.

The 32-year-old German international sustained the injury during Barca's 5-1 victory over Villarreal and is expected to be sidelined for at least eight months, according to Spanish media. "Ter Stegen has had a successful operation on his patella tendon injury by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau, under the supervision of the Club's Medical Services at Barcelona Hospital," a club statement read.

Ter Stegen was injured just before halftime after landing awkwardly, and was visibly in pain as he was stretchered off the pitch. His replacement, 25-year-old Inaki Pena, who has previously covered for him, will step in as Barca prepare to face Bayern Munich in the Champions League and Real Madrid in LaLiga.

(With inputs from agencies.)