Marc-André ter Stegen, the German goalkeeper, has recently undergone successful surgery to address a thigh injury, as officially announced by Girona FC. There are significant concerns regarding his recovery timeline and whether he will be fit to represent Germany in the upcoming FIFA World Cup scheduled for next summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His return to the field will be contingent on how well he progresses through the rehabilitation process.

The injury occurred during ter Stegen's second match with Girona, following his loan transfer from FC Barcelona, where he struggled to establish himself as a first-choice goalkeeper. Until recently, he had featured only once since a prior back surgery during the previous summer. His recent performances have made this latest injury troubling not only for Girona but also for the German national team coach, Julian Nagelsmann, who had emphasized the importance of having ter Stegen fit and ready for the World Cup.

The potential absence of ter Stegen from the World Cup could have implications for Germany's chances in the tournament, especially given his experience and skills. The team will need to explore alternative options should his recovery extend beyond expected timelines, underlining the pressure both on the athlete's rehabilitation and the national team's preparations for the eminent global event.