Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann has said goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is unlikely to make the World Cup squad this summer as he continues his comeback from injury.
The 33-year-old, who is on loan at Girona from Barcelona, underwent surgery in February to repair a torn hamstring, marking the latest in a series of setbacks that have limited his playing time.
Speaking ahead of Monday’s friendly against Ghana in Stuttgart, Nagelsmann said he had spoken with Ter Stegen and assessed his chances. “The chance is very, very, very slim, because you have to consider the overall situation. He didn’t play for a year and then got injured. He’s been out for a year, so to speak, and played very little. He should give it his all in his rehab… But he’s not 21 anymore. He’s got a few games under his belt. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for him, but we all have to be patient,” he stated.
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Ter Stegen, who long served as Germany’s back-up to Manuel Neuer, became the country’s number one after Neuer retired following Euro 2024. Earlier this year, Nagelsmann had named him as Germany’s leading goalkeeping candidate for the World Cup.
In Germany’s 4-3 friendly win over Switzerland on Friday, Hoffenheim’s Oliver Baumann started in goal.