The German team must deal with a delicate situation in its goals less than a year from the 2026 World Cup. Marc-André Ter Stegen, undisputed number one (44 selections), is currently far from the grounds after a back operation. This prolonged unavailability, combined with tensions with its club, FC Barcelona, creates a vagueness around its participation in the World Cup.
Ter Stegen, 33, suffers from chronic low back pain which led him to a recent surgery. The Catalan club evokes an absence of four to five months, while the player hopes a faster return, within three months.
Faced with these uncertainties, coach Julian Nagelsmann and the German Federation must consider other options. Oliver Baumann (Hoffenheim), Alexander Nübel (Stuttgart) or Noah Atuboli (Friborg) are cited as possible alternatives. But beyond these young talents, an emblematic figure could return to the light: Manuel Neuer.
“We made the decision”
The 39-year-old Bavarian ex-captain, retired in international, after Euro 2024, but according to the newspaper
Bildhe would not close the door on a return if Nagelsmann were to summon it. This scenario, like Toni Kroos in the last euro, could take shape due to the doubts around Ter Stegen. Neuer also shone recently during the Club World Cup, recalling that there remains a safe bet.
However, the German coach remains cautious: “In my head, I know that Marc will return in December, then play the matches in March, in June, before participating in the World Cup”he told the International Coaches Congress in Leipzig. “'Manu' made a very good club world cup, but we consciously made the decision (of his international retirement). »»
For the next qualifying games, “There will be no surprises”Baumann should continue to supplement Ter Stegen. However, in this uncertain context, a comeback from Neuer is not to be excluded.
