Real Madrid has confirmed that Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has sustained another injury which may effectively rule him out of the 2023 season altogether. The Belgian goalkeeper ruptured his ACL just before the start of the season, which kept him away from the game.
Although he has been trying and training to return to fitness, with a return to active play imminent, Courtois had another devastating injury while training on Tuesday.
Real Madrid confirmed the injury in a statement on Tuesday, indicating a ruptured internal meniscus in his right knee.
“Following tests carried out today, Thibaut Courtois has been diagnosed with a ruptured internal meniscus in his right knee. The injury occurred during today’s training session. The injury will be monitored.” The statement read.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had previously expected the former Chelsea goalkeeper to be back by the first international break of 2024, but with the current development, the goalkeeper may just be well out of the season completely.
Courtois has previously been nursing the hopes of featuring for Belgium at Euro 2024 in Germany, but with another devastating knee injury, that may be a pipe dream at the moment, and the goalkeeper displayed his fears while leaving the Real Madrid training ground in tears.
“I’m sad for this new injury but it’s just a small setback. I will be back stronger than ever. I feel your support.” Courtois said.
While Andrey Lunin will continue for Real Madrid in goal for the rest of the season as they chase the Champions League, Belgium has called up the quartet of Arnaud Bodart, Koen Casteels, Thomas Kaminski, and Matz Sels for games against Ireland and England in March.
Belgium squad:
Goalkeepers: Arnaud Bodart, Koen Casteels, Thomas Kaminski, Matz Sels
Defenders: Jan Vertonghen, Timothy Castagne, Koni De Winter, Zeno Debast, Wout Faes, Thomas Meunier, Arthur Theate.
Midfielders: Olivier Deman, Dodi Lukebakio, Orel Mangala, Amadou Onana, Youri Tielemans, Arthur Vermeeren, Aster Vranckx, Jeremy Doku.
Forwards: Johan Bakayoko, Michy Batshuayi, Charles De Ketelaere, Romelu Lukaku, Loïs Openda, Leandro Trossard.
Daniel Ademiju Idowu
