I don't get what alternative explanation is there?
Ter Stegen did not deny signing off to presenting the medical reports? It's fake news?
The only ridiculous thing would be if it is true in fact that he will be back in less than 4 months, but in that case, there would be no secrecy?
Lewa and Iñigo are older, but so are Lamine, Pedri, Cubarsi, Gavi, Casado, Fermin. That's a plus. De Jong is also back for the start of the season.
And let's see what happens to Olmo. He is on an uninjured streak.