The Spanish newspaper "Sport" confirmed that German goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen is continuing his final steps in recovering from his lower back injury, which required him to undergo surgery last July.

The goalkeeper is in the final stage of his rehabilitation program and is expected to join the full team training sessions in December.

Ter Stegen had been training alone on the grass for several weeks with goalkeeper coach José Ramón de la Fuente and some physiotherapists before the team’s training sessions under Hans Flick began. In recent days, the German goalkeeper started participating in partial training sessions with the other goalkeepers, which was considered an important step toward his return to the field.

Ter Stegen posted a message on social media saying, "It's great to be back with the team," accompanied by photos of him training with the other goalkeepers, indicating that he is close to being fully ready to participate. He is expected to be able to train fully with the group in about two weeks, before the end of 2025, with the final decision on his participation in matches to be made by coach Hans Flick.

The newspaper explained that Juan Garcia is currently the first-choice goalkeeper, and with his return to the field, changing the goalkeeper position in the near future seems unlikely. However, Ter Stegen's return will provide the team with additional options to protect the goal.

Sport continued that the club and the goalkeeper will discuss the player's future during the winter transfer window, with the possibility of making a decision that benefits both parties. Ter Stegen wants to play regularly to be ready with the German national team for the World Cup next summer, and there is interest from other clubs if he decides to seek new opportunities.