Thibaut Courtois Injury: Belgian international sidelined yet again; set to miss Man City clash

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was initially expected to return in mid-April after Los Blancos played against Real Mallorca. But the latest injury setback could prevent the Belgium national from returning to the Madrid squad.

Diario AS reported that Courtois left the training pitch earlier in tears on Tuesday, knowing that he would not play any games until the end of this season. The former Chelsea goalie suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee, adding another injury after his cruciate ligament on the left one. 

“Following tests carried out today, Thibaut Courtois has been diagnosed with a ruptured internal meniscus in his right knee,” the club’s official statement. “The injury occurred during today’s training session. The injury will be monitored.”

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Thibaut Courtois was preparing for his return

Courtois was one the names who took part in Madrid’s latest training session with the Castilla team this week. Their mission in chasing the league title continued as they are scheduled to host Athletic Bilbao at Santiago Bernabeu this weekend. 

Apart from Courtois, there were also Eder Militao and David Alaba who touched the grass as part of their recovery programs. Meanwhile Dani Ceballos was training separately indoors due to his strained calf. 

Carlo Ancelotti cools down the crisis

Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said his team are in good shape despite the injury crisis. The Italian expressed his happiness over the results his team have achieved in the league so far. 

“I’m very proud of all these victories, I’m very happy to win here and to have played so well. These are three very important points to move us ahead on the table,” Ancelotti said on Sunday after Madrid beat Osasuna. “We go into the international break “better than ever.” 

Madrid relied on Kepa Arizzabalaga and Andriy Lunin when Courtois was off. Both have featured in 36 and 41 games for the capital-side club this season respectively. Apart from staying in mix for the LaLiga title this season, they also have brought the team to the Champions League quarter final. Carlo Ancelotti’s squad will face Manchester City in the first leg game in April.