Real Madrid Hit by Courtois Injury Setback Amid Crucial Season Phase

Real Madrid’s first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, faces a spell on the sidelines after sustaining a meniscus tear in his right knee. This injury occurred during a training session on Tuesday, complicating the team’s plans as they approach the final stretch of the season.

Courtois had been on the path to recovery from an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear in his left knee last August, eagerly anticipated to bolster the squad’s defensive lineup.

Real Madrid confirmed the severity of Courtois’ injury through a diagnostic MRI scan conducted shortly after the incident. The club’s statement detailed the nature of his condition: “Following tests carried out today, our player Thibaut Courtois has been diagnosed with a ruptured internal meniscus in his right knee.”

The timing of this setback is particularly challenging for Real Madrid. The club’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, had recently expressed optimism about the imminent return of key players, including Courtois and Brazil defender Eder Militao, who also suffered an ACL tear last August.

Ancelotti had outlined a cautious integration plan for the duo, involving participation in friendly matches against Real’s youth team during the international break, aiming for a full return in time for the LaLiga match against Athletic Bilbao on March 31st.

Ancelotti shared his strategy and expectations at a press conference, emphasising the cautious approach: “They (Courtois and Militao) have started to work with the group, completing normal training sessions. I think they will be able to make it (to the first leg against City). In fact, the idea is that they will be available on March 31st, for the LaLiga match against Athletic Bilbao, but we won’t risk anything, that’s more than clear.”

Courtois, 31, has been instrumental for Real Madrid since his transfer from Chelsea in 2018, contributing significantly to the team’s successes, including their 14th European title in the 2022 Champions League final, where he was named Player-of-the-Match.

In response to Courtois’ initial injury earlier in the season, Real Madrid had secured Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on a season-long loan to bolster their goalkeeping options. Despite this reinforcement, Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has emerged as the first-choice keeper in Courtois’ absence.

The Belgian international’s latest injury represents a significant blow to Real Madrid’s ambitions across all competitions. As the team adapts to this new challenge, the depth of their squad will be tested in the weeks ahead.