Barcelona are set to lose one of their key players for the next two months as a decision is made for Marc-Andre ter Stegen to undergo surgery on his back.

The Germany international has been in pain in the region for the past few weeks and has missed the last five games between Barcelona and Germany.

It is predicted that his absence of about two months will leave him in doubt for the first leg of the Champions League knockout stages.

The first leg will take place on February 13, 14, 20 or 21, the remaining dates of 10 and 11 weeks. With his absence less than three months, it should be possible for him to return to European football. Instead, Barcelona have to rely on 24-year-old Inaki Pena. He has made just 16 top-flight appearances, but has recently been the subject of interest during key games against Porto and Atletico Madrid. It looks like Barcelona will keep full faith in Pena, who patiently gave up his chance.