The manager of the Germany national team, Julian Nagelsmann, has revealed that goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is suffering from a back issue and will be returning to his club, which may cause FC Barcelona some concern.

Due in part to Manuel Neuer’s forced absence due to injury, the 31-year-old Barcelona second captain has emerged as Nagelsmann’s first choice in goal in recent months.

Together with his Barcelona teammate Ilkay Gundogan, Ter Stegen was called up to the Germany team for their friendlies against Turkey and Austria.

On the other hand, Nagelsmann has now acknowledged that the Barça goalkeeper would miss Germany’s two games due to severe back problems.

“Due to severe back pain, Marc-Andre ter Stegen will miss both games. It seems likely that he will be returning to Barcelona early tomorrow morning. The problem is that he won’t be able to practice or play, Nagelsmann stated in his news briefing.

Barcelona is concerned about this and will be anxiously anticipating Ter Stegen’s return so they can perform tests and determine the extent of his problem.

Xavi Hernandez and company will be praying that their star goalkeeper’s problem is not too serious, as they have already had a number of important players miss games due to fitness issues.

If so, this season’s first opportunity for backup goalie Inaki Pena will arise.