Marc-André ter Stegen has long been unlucky in his quest to be Germany’s starting goalkeeper for major tournaments over the past decade. Competing with Manuel Neuer has limited his opportunities, and now an injury could be his biggest obstacle ahead of the World Cup.



Girona, the club where he is on loan from <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a>, announced that he will need surgery. “Ter Stegen will undergo surgery on Friday to repair the injury he suffered to his left hamstring in the match against Real Oviedo. The time for his return should be determined after the intervention.”



Several outlets suggest the goalkeeper could be out for the rest of the season, with recovery timelines reported to extend for several months. That scenario puts his availability for the World Cup in serious doubt.



<h2>René Adler names potential substitute for Ter Stegen</h2>



Germany has a long history of great goalkeepers, from Sepp Maier to Oliver Kahn to Manuel Neuer; that tradition makes the position especially prominent. René Adler may not be counted among the absolute greats, but he played more than 300 matches in his career and earned 12 caps for Germany.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/02/04154848/adler-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-619520"></figure></div><figcaption>Adler playing for the national team (Joel Auerbach/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Adler, speaking as an analyst for ZDF, said: “It’s very cruel. I think there won’t be a World Cup for him. He deserves it after all the suffering of being a loyal number two. You must consider the facts, how long he has been out, and that Oliver Baumann is playing great.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/marcus-rashford-signing-may-not-be-straightforward-as-hansi-flicks-barcelona-reportedly-push-to-rethink-the-deal/" image="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/02/04133952/Rashford-200x200.webp" excerpt="Contrary to expectations, Marcus Rashford has made a commanding impact under Hansi Flick. Nevertheless, Barcelona would not be entirely certain about exercising his purchase option, as they look to rethink the deal to sign the 28-year-old striker.
" title="Marcus Rashford signing may not be straightforward as Hansi Flick’s Barcelona reportedly push to rethink the deal" publication_id="WST#/news/marcus-rashford-signing-may-not-be-straightforward-as-hansi-flicks-barcelona-reportedly-push-to-rethink-the-deal/"></div>


He also closed the door on a Neuer return: “Baumann has played well in the qualifiers. He’s having a very good Bundesliga season with Hoffenheim. Neuer retired on his own initiative. It’s an unnecessary discussion. We must show Baumann respect because he earned it with his form.”



<h2>Ter Stegen’s numbers with Girona</h2>



Ter Stegen had a remarkable spell at Barcelona. His team achievements include six La Liga titles and one Champions League, part of a total haul of 19 trophies during his time at the club. His exit left a sour taste for many involved.



Losing his spot in the Barcelona first team left him short on minutes after the emergence of Joan García, so a loan to Girona was arranged to give him game time and strengthen his case for Germany.



This injury ended his run with the new club after just two matches. He conceded one goal in the 1-1 draw with Getafe and one in the loss to Real Oviedo, where he was injured. His replacement will be Paulo Gazzaniga.

Marc-André ter Stegen gets discouraging injury update ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup with Germany

Marc-André ter Stegen gets discouraging injury update ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup with Germany - World Soccer Talk

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<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> president Joan Laporta has been publicly clashing with others over refereeing in La Liga. Since the Negreira case became public, he and <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> president Florentino Pérez have exchanged words. Recently, a former referee joined the discussion.



It was Eduardo Iturralde González, a referee from 1995 to 2012, who spoke on “El Larguero” and said Laporta should apologize for his comments about refereeing. “I would advise Laporta that, when he says a club is being benefited, the climate we are living in is that he, among others, has paid the vice president of the CTA (Technical Committee of Referees),” he said.



González added: “The current climate in Spanish football and refereeing shows the disservice that has been done to Spanish referees, partly thanks to him and Enriquez Negreira. He must apologise to Spanish football and refereeing.”



<h2>What did Laporta say about Real Madrid’s referees?</h2>



The comments followed <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/joan-laporta/">Laporta</a>’s reaction to the penalty Real Madrid received in their win over Rayo Vallecano and the amount of stoppage time added. “I watched Real Madrid’s game against Rayo Vallecano, and I don’t know where those nine or 10 minutes of extra time came from,” Laporta said.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/02/04140854/gonzalez-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-619501"></figure></div><figcaption>González was a referee until 2012 (Bagu Blanco/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



He continued by referring to what he described as a controversial result involving Barcelona’s historic rivals. “I saw many plays in which players are getting used to diving, and this should be a card. I say this in a constructive sense. Sometimes it also happens in our favor, and I would recognize it the same.”


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/marcus-rashford-reportedly-willing-to-make-sacrifice-to-secure-barcelona-future-amid-manchester-united-interest/" image="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/11/22092707/rashford-200x200.webp" excerpt="Amid reported interest from Manchester United in bringing Marcus Rashford back, reports indicate the forward is willing to do whatever it takes to stay at Barcelona.
" title="Marcus Rashford reportedly willing to make sacrifice to secure Barcelona future amid Manchester United interest" publication_id="WST#/news/marcus-rashford-reportedly-willing-to-make-sacrifice-to-secure-barcelona-future-amid-manchester-united-interest/"></div>


Barcelona is competing in a very close title race with Real Madrid in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/la-liga/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">La Liga</a>. <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kylian-mbappe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kylian Mbappé</a>’s late goal againts Rayo Vallecano could prove important later in the season. Currently, Barcelona is one point ahead after 22 matches played.



<h2>Negreira case prompts scrutiny of refereeing payments</h2>



The “Negreira case” refers to allegations that Barcelona made payments to a company linked to Enriquez Negreira, the former vice president of Spain’s refereeing body, which sparked investigations and widespread scrutiny of refereeing integrity in Spanish football.



The controversy has led to legal inquiries, increased media attention, and heightened tensions between clubs and the refereeing establishment, influencing public debate about transparency, governance, and conflicts of interest in the sport.

Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticized by former referee after Real Madrid remarks: 'He must apologise'

Barcelona president Joan Laporta criticized by former referee after Real Madrid remarks: 'He must apologise' - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lionel-messi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lionel Messi</a>’s retirement has been a topic of discussion for years. However, the Argentine doesn’t seem to be slowing down, even while playing in a non-European league. His influence at <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/inter-miami/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Inter Miami</a> has been immense, guiding the club to the MLS title last season.



Rumors about Messi’s next move rarely gain traction, as he hardly ever hints at his plans. This time, however, it was the club doing the talking. Juan Manuel Medina, vice president of Newell’s—Leo’s childhood team—has positioned the club as a potential destination, signaling their interest in bringing him back.



Medina said to TN: “We are working for Leo to play in Newell’s in the first semester of 2027, but there isn’t much more than that for now. It’s a project that exceeds Newell’s. It’s a project from the city of Rosario, the province, and Argentine football.”



<h2>What club would Messi find?</h2>



There’s no denying that Messi knows exactly where he would be headed: his childhood club. It’s the team where he played in the youth divisions before moving to Barcelona, and the club whose jersey he wore to honor Diego Maradona after his death, even while he was still playing in Spain.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/02/03173229/messi-1-1-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-619292"></figure></div><figcaption>Messi honored Diego Maradona with his jersey (David Ramos/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



Newell’s have been under very poor conditions for years. The club hasn’t had strong leadership at the top, but it’s now aiming for a brighter future. Medina’s party was chosen to command the club last December, hoping for a return to glorious days.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/james-rodriguez-could-join-lionel-messi-in-mls-as-club-reportedly-targets-2026-move/" image="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2025/11/12133302/Messi-James-200x200.webp" excerpt="Still without a club after leaving Club León, James Rodríguez could end up joining Lionel Messi in MLS, as one club is reportedly in advanced talks to sign the Colombian star.
" title="James Rodríguez could join Lionel Messi in MLS as club reportedly targets 2026 move" publication_id="WST#/news/james-rodriguez-could-join-lionel-messi-in-mls-as-club-reportedly-targets-2026-move/"></div>


The season has started poorly, with Newell’s failing to secure a victory in their first three matches and the outlook not looking promising. One intriguing possibility for Messi would be the famous derby against Rosario Central. If he were to play, he would face his friend Ángel Di María, who joined the club from Benfica last year to finish his career.



<h2>Messi’s contract situation with Inter Miami</h2>



Messi surprised everybody when Inter Miami announced a contract extension last year. After years of signing for just one or two seasons, he committed to ending his career there when he signed through 2028, at age 41.



A potential move to Newell’s would not be to finish his career there. The Argentine club reportedly intends to sign him on loan for the first half of the season so he could play in his home country for the first time. But that seems unlikely based on what he said when he renewed his contract with the Herons.



“It makes me really happy to stay here and to continue with this project that, besides being a dream, has become a beautiful reality, playing in this stadium at Miami Freedom Park. Since I arrived in Miami, I’ve been very happy, so I’m truly glad to keep going here,” Messi said last year at the Miami Freedom Park site.

Lionel Messi linked to potential Inter Miami exit as another club reveals 2027 plans to sign him

Lionel Messi linked to potential Inter Miami exit as another club reveals 2027 plans to sign him - World Soccer Talk

Most players are currently under fire in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/real-madrid/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Real Madrid</a> amid a disappointing season. While much of the criticism targets the stars, promising youngster <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/franco-mastantuono/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Franco Mastantuono</a> has also come under scrutiny. Argentina legend Mario Kempes has offered his view about the player, using <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/lamine-yamal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lamine Yamal</a> as an example.



Advice comes from all directions, but one voice with the experience to guide young players is Kempes. The World Cup winner in 1978 recently compared what Mastantuono should do with what the <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/barcelona/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Barcelona</a> star has been doing.



In an interview with Argentinian streamer Rodrigo Rea, Kempes said: “He must be more aggressive. Play like he did on River Plate. Look at Yamal. He dribbles, he shoots on goal. He makes mistakes, a few, but he continues trying. If he doesn’t do that, he won’t last much”.



The first few months of Mastantuono with his new club have not been good. The expectations were high for the $60 million transfer, but his role in the team is now being questioned. So far, he has appeared in 23 matches, scoring three goals, leaving his spot in the starting eleven uncertain each week.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/02/03171337/kempes-1920x1080.webp" alt="" class="wp-image-619286"></figure></div><figcaption>Kempes offered some advice to Franco Mastantuono (Elsa/Getty Images)</figcaption></figure>



<h2>Kempes on Real Madrid’s pressure</h2>



Something very noticeable about Kempes statements on Mastantuono regards the club he is in. The Valencia legend knows very well the pressure that fans can put onto the players if the results aren’t coming their way.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/jude-bellingham-and-two-other-stars-reportedly-met-with-real-madrid-president-florentino-perez-over-a-major-issue/" image="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/01/28133053/Jude-Bellingham-2-200x200.webp" excerpt="Unlike previous seasons, Real Madrid are not going through their best moment, as Xabi Alonso was even fired. For that reason, team president Florentino Perez has reportedly met with Jude Bellingham and two other players to discuss a growing problem. 
" title="Jude Bellingham among Real Madrid stars reportedly receiving strong request from club president Florentino Perez" publication_id="WST#/news/jude-bellingham-and-two-other-stars-reportedly-met-with-real-madrid-president-florentino-perez-over-a-major-issue/"></div>


Despite having played in a famous club in Argentina, Kempes remarks this is even more difficult. “It’s not River or Boca. This is Real Madrid. In this club you must win even in the training sessions.”



Lastly, he referred to Mastantuono’s effort. “He has to make more sacrifices than the rest of his teammates. He has to run more than <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/kylian-mbappe/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kylian Mbappé</a>, <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/vinicius/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vinicius</a>, even Rodrygo. He’s mature but he has to demonstrate his talent on the field”.

Argentine legend uses Lamine Yamal as an example to warn Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono

Argentine legend uses Lamine Yamal as an example to warn Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono - World Soccer Talk

<a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/neymar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neymar</a> has been one of the greatest players of the past decade. His highs have been spectacular and frequent, but his lows have become increasingly common in recent years. This time, however, something positive may be on the horizon for Santos fans.



After being out since December with a knee injury, the Brazilian star is nearing his return. According to Diario Do Peixe, Ney was part of <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/santos/">Santos</a> training on Monday without any setbacks, completing a full session that included ball work.



While the exact comeback date remains uncertain, there is a chance he may suit up again soon. Per the Brazilian outlet, Neymar could be back on Wednesday’s <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/brazilian-serie-a/">Brazilian Serie A</a> match against Sao Paulo, in front of his home fans at Urbano Caldeira Stadium.



<h2>What was Neymar’s injury?</h2>



Neymar is getting ready to play his first match of the year, if he finally gets the green light from Santos’ coach Juan Pablo Vojvoda. The Brazilian forward has been recovering from an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee to repair a meniscus injury.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1920" height="1080" src="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/02/03143104/neymar-1920x1080.webp" alt="Neymar may be back from injury." class="wp-image-619221"></figure></div><figcaption>Neymar may be back from injury (Ricardo Moreira/Getty Images).</figcaption></figure>



The injury doesn’t require much time to heal, but his history with these types of problems may force the team to take a cautious approach. ESPN reported that he has been focusing on strengthening his left knee with specific exercises.


 <div class="wp_fsn_relatedlinks" use="ALSO" link="https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/not-messi-or-ronaldo-lamine-yamal-names-the-legend-he-wants-to-face-at-the-2026-world-cup-final/" image="https://media.worldsoccertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2026/01/30002138/lionel-messi-argentina-lamine-yamal-spain-cristiano-ronaldo-portugal-200x200.webp" excerpt="With the expectations set to reach his first World Cup final in 2026, Lamine Yamal dismissed Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo when picking the soccer legend he&apos;d like to face.
" title="Not Messi or Ronaldo: Lamine Yamal names the legend he wants to face at the 2026 World Cup final" publication_id="WST#/news/not-messi-or-ronaldo-lamine-yamal-names-the-legend-he-wants-to-face-at-the-2026-world-cup-final/"></div>


But that may not be the case entirely for Neymar if he wants to be in <a href="https://worldsoccertalk.com/tag/world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Cup</a>. He hasn’t played for the national team since 2023 mostly because of a torn ACL. While Carlo Ancelotti probably considers him an important piece, the competition he has is very good.



<h2>Neymar won’t have margin for error with Ancelotti</h2>



Ancelotti was brought in to correct course in a turbulent time for Brazil. Their standard must always be to win the World Cup, but the qualifiers suggested that a change was needed.



The Italian manager has won almost everywhere he has coached and has led star-studded squads throughout his career, giving him the experience to manage players at the highest level. Under his leadership, Neymar will have little margin for error.



“There are many players who are very good, I need to choose players that are 100%. It’s not just Neymar, it could be Vinícius. If Vini is at 90%, I’ll call up another player who is at 100%. It’s a team that has a very high level of competence, especially up front. We have really many good players”, he said to Esporte Record.

Neymar nears return with Santos after knee surgery: When could the Brazilian star be back?

Neymar nears return with Santos after knee surgery: When could the Brazilian star be back? - World Soccer Talk

Mauro Tognacca is a contributor for World Soccer Talk and a dedicated sports journalist with a deep-seated passion for global soccer. Since beginning his career, he has developed a reputation for comprehensive match coverage and insightful analysis across multiple digital platforms. Mauro has extensive experience covering the fast-paced world of Argentine soccer, most notably contributing to Diario Olé, where he specialized in live match reporting and digital content creation. His versatile background also includes roles at various sports websites and significant experience in the sports betting industry, where he monitored and analyzed league action from around the globe. Additionally, Mauro has served in media positions during the Olympic Games, bringing his expertise to one of the world’s largest sporting stages.

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