Madrid, 23 September 2024 (dpa/MIA) - Germany goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen may have suffered a serious knee injury during Barcelona's 5-1 win at Villarreal on Sunday.

The 32-year-old came down on his right leg following a corner shortly before half-time and immediately fell to the turf. The Barça captain had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher and was then taken to hospital.

A diagnosis had not yet been confirmed but Barca coach Hansi Flick told a news conference: "We're very happy about the win, but in truth sad because I think it's a serious injury."

Speaking to DAZN, the former Germany coach added: "We'll have to wait and see. It will be a serious injury. You could see that as soon as he hit the turf."

Ter Stegen has only just become Germany's number one following the international retirement of Manuel Neuer. Germany next play in the Nations League in October in Bosnia-Herzegovina and against the Netherlands.

Spanish media reports said the keeper faced "months out."

Photo: EPA