Ter Stegen addresses conflict with Barcelona after successful surgery

The procedure was performed by Dr. Amélie Léglise at a clinic in Bordeaux, France, under the supervision of club doctors.

Barcelona confirmed in an official statement: "First-team player Marc ter Stegen has successfully undergone another operation for persistent lower back problems. He is sidelined, and his return will depend on the recovery process."

Upon arrival at El Prat Airport, Ter Stegen dismissed speculation about tension with the club and a potential loss of the captaincy: "The relationship with the club is good, it always has been good, it's intact."

He added with a smile, regarding his health: "If you have to undergo surgery, something's probably not right, is it?"

While Ter Stegen initially estimated a three-month return, club doctors and external specialists anticipate an absence of four to five months.