Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen will undergo surgery for a ruptured patella tendon in his right knee, the club announced on Monday. The 32-year-old German international sustained the injury during Barcelona's 5-1 win over Villarreal on Sunday and could be sidelined for the rest of the season.

After landing awkwardly, Ter Stegen was stretchered off before half-time at Villarreal's Estadio de la Ceramica. Barcelona coach Hansi Flick expressed concern, stating, “It looks like a serious injury,” but refrained from discussing potential replacements immediately after the match.

Backup goalkeeper Iñaki Peña replaced Ter Stegen and is expected to step in, though Barcelona may consider signing a temporary replacement. The club will provide further updates after Ter Stegen's surgery.

Ter Stegen, who recently started two Nations League games for Germany following Manuel Neuer’s international retirement, had been criticized for a mistake in Barcelona’s 2-1 Champions League loss to Monaco days earlier.