Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is to undergo back surgery this week, the club have announced.

The news comes after the 31-year-old sat out Germany’s matches against Turkey and Austria last month and three subsequent Barca fixtures.

A statement on the club’s official website said: “First-team player Marc ter Stegen will undergo a surgical procedure this week to address the lower back issues he is experiencing. Following the procedure, a new statement will be given.”

Ter Stegen said in a post on social media: “After intensive conversations with the medical team of the club and various supporting experts, we decided to undergo a surgical procedure.

“The break obviously annoys me. It is the right and safe decision in order to come back in the best conditions for my club and national team.”