Madrid, March 19, 2024, The Europe Today: Real Madrid Football Club has announced that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will be sidelined for several weeks due to a meniscus tear in his right knee, sustained during a training session on Tuesday. The LaLiga club confirmed the unfortunate injury, marking a setback for the 31-year-old Belgium international, who had been on the road to recovery following a previous ACL tear in his left knee last August.
Following an MRI scan conducted on Tuesday, Real Madrid revealed the diagnosis of a ruptured internal meniscus in Courtois’ right knee, rendering him unavailable for selection for an extended period. This setback deals a significant blow to Real Madrid’s preparations for their highly anticipated Champions League quarter-final clash against Manchester City in early April.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed optimism about Courtois’ and Brazil defender Eder Militao’s imminent return to action, with both players having commenced training sessions with the squad. Ancelotti had outlined plans for Courtois and Militao to participate in friendlies against Real’s youth team during the international break, aiming for their return to first-team action ahead of the crucial phase of the season.
However, Courtois’ injury necessitates a reevaluation of Real Madrid’s goalkeeping options, with Ukrainian shot-stopper Andriy Lunin currently the sole alternative in the first-team squad. Real Madrid had previously bolstered their goalkeeping ranks with the loan acquisition of former Chelsea keeper Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The absence of Courtois, a pivotal figure in Real Madrid’s defensive setup, poses a formidable challenge for the club as they navigate through the business end of the season. Courtois, renowned for his shot-stopping prowess and commanding presence between the posts, has been instrumental in Real Madrid’s recent successes, including their triumphant 2022 Champions League campaign.
Real Madrid supporters will anxiously await updates on Courtois’ recovery timeline, hoping for a swift return to action for the esteemed goalkeeper as the club endeavors to maintain its pursuit of domestic and European glory.
