German international goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, who had finally become his country's No.1 after years as second-fiddle, is expected to be out for a lengthy period after suffering "a complete rupture in the patella tendon in his right knee" playing for Barcelona.
Ter Stegen left the field on a stretcher after getting injured in Sunday's 5-1 win over Villarreal, Barcelona's sixth win in their six LaLiga matches, and had surgery on Monday.
"Ter Stegen has undergone a successful surgical intervention on the patella tendon injury in his right knee by Dr. Joan Carles Monllau under the supervision of the Club's Medical Services at Barcelona Hospital," Barcelona said in a statement.
Ter Stegen's right knee buckled when he fell awkwardly after going for a high cross into the area just before halftime.
The injury comes just as Ter Stegen had been confirmed as the German No. 1 after Manuel Neuer retired from international soccer.
"The news of Marc's injury was a big shock for us," Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann said.
Germany's most recent squad included backup goalkeepers Alexander Nübel from Stuttgart and Oliver Baumann from Hoffenheim. Neither has played an international, Ter Stegen has 42 caps.
The 32-year-old Ter Stegen's appearance against Villarreal was his 289th with the club, whose second choice is Iñaki Peña.
"We have to accept it," coach Hansi Flick said of Ter Stegen's injury. "It's not easy. It was an accident."
