“God has a plan different from our own!” – Manchester City goalkeeper confirms injury setback and surgery

Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen has announced on social media that he has sustained an injury setback and undergone surgery on the problem.

The USA international has come to the end of his season-long loan at Championship outfit Middlesbrough this season, where he contributed to Michael Carrick’s side reaching the play-off stage of the campaign.

Steffen recorded a total of 45 appearances across all competitions, impressing both supporters and teammates alike with his traditional goalkeeping abilities, and the tendency to play the ball out from the back – as developed with Manchester City.

However, as the summer transfer window approaches and both Steffen and Manchester City officials look to arrange the future for the 28 year-old goalkeeper, the Coatesville-born star has announced a significant setback to his fitness on social media.

In a statement released on his official social media channels, Zack Steffen says, “In life there are times when you have to take a step backward in order to progress further, stronger and wiser.

“God has a plan different from our own! I’m grateful for all who have helped me these past couple weeks. I’ll be back soon.”

Steffen went on to attach two photos to his social media posts, that suggest he has undergone major surgery on his left leg.

The setback appears to have been sustained during the off-season, after the Manchester City loanee completed two portions of 90 minutes across Middlesbrough’s Championship play-off matches against Coventry City last month.

With the summer transfer window right around the corner, City officials will look to understand what the future holds for Steffen, with the latest understanding being that they will seek a permanent move for the USA international.

Manchester City are understood to value the goalkeeper at in excess £10 million, and the player has already attracted interest from a number of Bundesliga clubs in particular, with a return to Middlesbrough looking unlikely due to the finances at play.

Steffen spent the 2019/20 season on-loan at Fortuna Düsseldorf, before returning to Manchester City to act as the understudy to first-team mainstay Ederson, and as such is familiar with the rigours of German football.