Real Madrid have been dealt a massive blow ahead of the new season as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has suffered an ACL injury which could rule him out of action for the 2023/24 season.
Courtois will now partake in surgery to hasten his recovery period and get back in tip-top shape.
Los Blancos confirmed the news concerning the injury with a statement shared on the club’s website which reads:
“Following tests carried out on Thibaut Courtois, the player has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.”
“The player will undergo surgery in the coming days.”
Thibaut Courtois made 49 appearances for Real Madrid last term and he continued in his impressive stead all through the season.
When would Thibaut Courtois return from injury?
He is expected to return to action in mid-April 2024, however, there are also growing doubts concerning his return to action during that period.
Several reports indicated that the former Chelsea goalkeeper left Real Madrid’s training ground in a teary mood after picking up that horrific injury.
Following the injury to Courtois, Real Madrid have reportedly made contacts with David De Gea’s representatives as they see him as a viable option in goal.
The 14-time European champions are also apparently checking on Kepa Arizzabalaga’s situation at Chelsea.
Real Madrid commence the 2023/24 La Liga season on Saturday, August 12, 2023, and they only have one senior goalkeeper available to man the post.
Ukrainian goalie Andriy Lunin is the only available goalkeeper and he has made just 17 appearances in total for Los Blancos.
When did Courtois join Real Madrid?
Thibaut Courtois joined Real Madrid from Chelsea on the 9th of August 2018 for a fee of €35 million.
Courtois has been remarkable in goal for Real Madrid and he has helped the club to several successes, including; 2 La Liga titles, 1 Champions League, and 1 FIFA Club World Cup.
The Belgian goalkeeper kept 10 clean sheets in 31 appearances for Real Madrid last term and he made 89 vital saves all through the league season.
He has made 230 appearances in total for Real Madrid, scoring no goal and providing no assist across all competitions.
Thibaut Courtois’ injury also casts huge doubts on his availability for the 2024 European Championships.
Domenico Tedesco has a big decision to make, either to stick with the experienced goalie or opt for other viable options.
The 2024 European Championships is expected to go down from Friday, June 14, 2024, till Sunday, July 14, 2024, and it is uncertain how fit Courtois will be by then.
His position in the national team was also in a shaky state before this injury, following his public divergence over the captaincy role with the national team.
Thibaut Courtois made his debut for Belgium on the 15th of November 2011 and he has gone on to make 102 appearances for the Red Devils.
