Barcelona in line for £2m FIFA payout over Ter Stegen injury

Reports emerged on Thursday that Marc-Andre ter Stegen, who has been absent from Barcelona's group training sessions this summer, is struggling with a back problem that could require surgery and sideline him for several months.

This is a complicated situation for both the goalkeeper and the club, who are reportedly seeking a solution for the player given their faith in Joan Garcia and Wojciech Szczesny in goal. However, even if they fail to find a new club for the German, Ter Stegen's injury could provide Barca with some financial relief.

According to 'Mundo Deportivo', the Catalan side could save up to €1.7 million of the German's wages through FIFA's Club Protection Programme. The player's initial discomfort arose after international matches with Germany in the Nations League Final Four.

The report claims that FIFA informed Barcelona of Ter Stegen's problems following his time with the national team, and the governing body would cover part of his wages if, as a result of this discomfort, the player is sidelined for more than four consecutive weeks.

Therefore, in the worst-case scenario, the club would at least save a significant amount of money due to Ter Stegen's absence. Barcelona could also use his long-term absence to avoid registering him in La Liga, thereby facilitating the registration of players they bring in this summer.