Barcelona star Marc-Andre ter Stegen has confirmed he will undergo back surgery and is likely to be out for three months.

• Ter Stegen to have back surgery
• Set to be out for three months
• Barca sweat over Garcia registration

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Ter Stegen missed much of last season with a serious knee injury and has now revealed he needs a back operation that will keep him out for several months. While he vowed to "be back" in an emotional social media post, Barcelona may be in a bit of a pickle when it comes to goalkeepers for the upcoming season.

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• WHAT TER STEGEN SAID

  "Dear Culers, I wear the colours and jersey of FC Barcelona with great pride, whether on or off the pitch, in moments of success and in difficult times.

  "Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically, I feel in very good shape, although unfortunately, I am not free from pain. After intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery. After my last operation on my back, I returned to the pitch after 66 days—almost two months; this time, the doctors believe about three months will be necessary as a precaution, to avoid any risks. Emotionally, it hurts a lot not being able to support the team during this time. Fortunately, the rehabilitation is manageable and the road back is clear. I will keep you updated on my recovery and I sincerely want to thank you all, dear Culers, for always being by my side.

  "Don’t worry – I’ll be back! Yours, Marc"

• THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The Catalan outfit signed Espanyol keeper Joan Garcia earlier this summer but fears were raised about whether or not they could register the Spaniard due to their ongoing financial issues. But with Ter Stegen's injury, that is likely to allow Barca to register Garcia. However, that is yet to be confirmed.

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  WHAT NEXT?

  Barcelona – who are still outside La Liga’s 1:1 rule, which means every pound spent on new signings must be matched with revenue or wage savings – may face an anxious wait to find out if Garcia can be registered for next season. The Blaugrana also have keepers Inaki Pena and Wojciech Szczesny on their books.