Barca's German keeper Stegen to miss Euro Cup for knee injury

MADRID -- FC Barcelona's German international goalkeeper Marc Andre Ter Stegen will miss the European Championships this summer because of a knee injury.

The FC Barcelona website on Monday confirmed Ter Stegen will "undergo a therapeutic procedure on the patellar tendon in his right knee on Thursday 20 May in Malmo by Dr Hakan Alfredson and under the supervision of the Club's medical services."

The operation means he will miss the last game of La Liga season when Barca travel to Eibar next Saturday, but far more importantly means he will not be able to represent his country this summer.

"I have decided along with the club's medical team that I will undergo an intervention on my knee. I am sad to miss Euro 2021 this summer with Germany. For the first time in many years, I will be a fan at home, supporting my country. I hope we can win," wrote the keeper on his 'Instagram' account.

Ter Stegen added that he was looking forward to be able to playing in the Camp Nou Stadium next season, "to be able to play in front of the supporters."

"I miss it," he added.

Barca's slim hopes of winning this season's La Liga title disappeared on Sunday after a 2-1 defeat at home to Celta Vigo and on Monday the Catana radio station 'RAC1' announced that Ronald Koeman would leave the club at the end of the season, despite still having a year left on his contract.

The club has made no comment on the story and any official confirmation on Koeman's future will almost certainly have to wait until the season ends next weekend.