The 31-year-old last played on November 12 and has missed three Barcelona games as well as two for Germany while his ailment is being treated.

No timetable for his rehabilitation has been set, with Barcelona stating that he will undergo surgery this week and that a new statement would be issued after that.

“The break obviously annoys me,” Ter Stegen said on Instagram.

“It is the right and safe decision in order to come back in the best conditions for my club Barcelona and national team Germany.”

Ter Stegen has appeared in 17 games for Barcelona this season, with eight clean sheets.

He had also started all four of Germany’s matches this season.