Will Marc-Andret ter Stegen make World Cup 2006? Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann offers update on Barcelona goalkeeper

Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann has left the door ajar for Marc-Andret ter Stegen to claim a place in his 2006 World Cup squad, but admitted the Barcelona goalkeeper faces a steep uphill battle after undergoing surgery for a torn hamstring. The 32-year-old, who recently left Barcelona on loan to Girona in search of regular minutes, was sidelined shortly after the switch and is not expected to return to action for an extended period. Speaking after the Nations League draw, Nagelsmann stressed that “out of respect for Marc, I never close the door completely, because it’s his turn,” yet conceded that “things don’t look rosy” for a late push to the United States-Mexico-Canada tournament that kicks off in June. The German coach emphasized that any decision must “make sense, for him and for us,” and highlighted the severity of the setback. “This is a dramatic injury that takes a long time to heal,” he said. “The worst part is that it’s tight because you have to consider the overall timeframe. It’s not like he played through last year completely; he was already out for a year.” With recovery timelines uncertain and the World Cup draw nearer, Germany will monitor Ter-Stegen’s rehabilitation closely, but the goalkeeper’s. The goalkeeper’s hopes of securing a starting role in the national team during the Copa del Rey campaign, where Barcelona has reached the semi-finals, have been stalled by the injury. Nagelsmann’s final squad, expected to be named in early June, will hinge on how quickly the goalkeeper can regain full fitness and competitive rhythm. For now, the German camp remains cautious, waiting to see whether one of the country’s most experienced shot-stoppers can defy the odds and return to the stage in time for the global showpiece.