Champions League: Ter Stegen may be missing for Barcelona against Napoli

German pro goalie Ter Stegen. Plays for Spanish La Liga club Barcelona and the National Team of Germany. Photo: Mateo Villalba/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images

Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre Ter Stegen is reportedly in doubt to feature in the Champions League Round of 16 with Napoli on August 8.


According to Spanish newspaper Diario AS, as reported by Football Espana, the German international is struggling with a persistent knee problem.

He already missed Barcelona’s last Liga game of the season at Alaves and is bound to require surgery to resolve the issue.

As that would keep him out for up to three months, it’ll probably only be done after the Champions League is completed.

If Ter Stegen can’t make it, then former Fiorentina and Juventus goalkeeper Norberto Neto will go in goal.

Barcelona drew the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie with Napoli, 1-1 in February, and are due to play the second leg on August 8.

The Blaugrana are missing several key players already, as Arturo Vidal and Sergio Busquets are suspended.

Jean-Clair Todibo, Samuel Umtiti, Ousmane Dembele and even Antoine Griezmann are also carrying injuries.