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<\/p>\nThings have taken a difficult turn for Marc-Andre ter Stegen this season, with the Barcelona goalkeeper now facing a serious race against time to be fit for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.<\/p>\n
After a promising start to his loan spell at Girona, where he was beginning to regain rhythm and confidence, the German international suffered a significant injury.<\/p>\n
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The setback has put his availability for the World Cup in real doubt at a crucial point in the season.<\/p>\n
Nagelsmann keeping doors open<\/p>\n
Speaking about the situation, Germany head coach, Julian Nagelsmann, offered an update, making it clear that while the situation is difficult, it is not completely closed.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s no longer 21. He has got a few games under his belt, but we\u2019ll see how he progresses. We\u2019ll be patient until the very end.\u201d<\/p>\n
The German manager also highlighted the goalkeeper\u2019s professionalism and attitude during this period, stressing how important he remains within the national team setup despite being sidelined.<\/p>\n
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After recently speaking with the player, Nagelsmann praised his commitment.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe spoke the day before yesterday. I really appreciate that he\u2019s always there when we need him, even during his injury; he\u2019s always available.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Ter Stegen is in the recovery phase. (Photo by Alex Caparros\/Getty Images)<\/p>\n
\u201cHe doesn\u2019t just care about himself, but also about the team,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n
Potential return<\/p>\n
However, when discussing the timeline of his recovery, the tone became more cautious.<\/p>\n
Nagelsmann pointed out that the goalkeeper has not had consistent playing time recently, which complicates his return to full fitness.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not as though he played for a year and then got injured; he\u2019s been out for a year and has played very little.\u201d<\/p>\n
He then delivered the most concerning part of his update, addressing the chances of Ter Stegen making the tournament:<\/p>\n
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\u201cWe have to keep an eye on the situation as a whole. He\u2019s no longer in pain in that area, but the chances of him making it to the World Cup are very, very slim,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>\n
For now, Ter Stegen continues his recovery at Barcelona\u2019s training facilities<\/a> while staying close to the squad environment by travelling to Girona during matches.<\/p>\n If he manages to return and play a few matches, there is still a small window of hope for him to represent his country at the World Cup.<\/p>\n