Thibaut Courtois suffers ANOTHER knee injury as Belgian keeper ‘leaves Real Madrid training in tears’ – just days after returning from ACL problem
- Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered a cruciate ligament injury before the season
- Courtois recently returned to training but has now suffered a major setback
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Thibaut Courtois has picked up a new injury just days after returning to training after a lengthy absence.
The Real Madrid goalkeeper suffered a cruciate ligament injury to his left knee in August in the run-up to the 2023/2024 season.
After several months away, Courtois returned to full training last week as he accelerated his recovery, with the 31-year-old maintaining hopes of playing a key role in the build-up for Real and at Euro 2024 for Belgium.
However, on Tuesday, Courtois suffered a major setback and was reportedly seen leaving the training pitch in tears.
Real subsequently confirmed that Courtois had suffered another knee injury, meaning he could now be ruled out for the rest of the season.
Thibaut Courtois has suffered a new knee injury just days after returning to training
The Real Madrid goalkeeper suffered a cruciate ligament injury in August, but was nearing a comeback
Courtois has played for Los Blancos since joining from Chelsea for £35 million in 2018
In a statement they said: ‘Following the tests carried out today on our player Thibaut Courtois, he has been diagnosed with a torn internal meniscus in his right knee.
‘The injury occurred during today’s training. Evolution pending.”
Spanish outlet Marca reported that the meniscus injury was on the opposite knee to the one with the ACL problem.
But it is a major blow for Real, and the report claims the Belgian will likely need surgery, with the usual recovery time from a meniscus injury taking between six weeks and three months.
Last week, boss Carlo Ancelotti had said he expected Courtois and Eder Militao – who suffered an ACL injury in the opening game of the season – to be available again after the international break.
“They started working with the team this week, we will take advantage of this break to play friendly matches against the youth team,” Ancelotti said last Friday.
‘I think they will be ready for the match on the 31st (against Athletic Bilbao). We will not take any risks. They are doing very well.’
Courtois’ injury on the eve of the season prompted the Spanish giants to sign Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea.
Kepa has been battling Ukrainian stopper Andriy Lunin for the No.1 shirt, although the Chelsea outcast has become a second choice of late.
Courtois’ latest injury is a blow to Carlo Ancelotti, who hoped to have him available again soon
Andriy Lunin will remain his deputy after beating Kepa Arrizabalaga for the No. 1 spot
It is now expected that Lunin will continue in goal for the rest of the season, with Real heading into a crucial Champions League quarter-final against Man City next month.
Meanwhile, they look set to win LaLiga, with Los Blancos eight points clear of Barcelona with nine games remaining.
Courtois has made 230 appearances for the Spanish giants since joining from Chelsea in 2018 for what turned out to be a bargain £35million.
The Belgian – who also has 101 caps for his country – has been an integral player at the Bernabeu in recent seasons, winning eight trophies, including two LaLiga titles and one Champions League.
