Real Madrid has been hit with a significant setback as their star goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has sustained a serious injury.
During a recent training session, Courtois suffered damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, which will require surgery. The best-case scenario for his return is around April of next year, but there are concerns that his season may be over before it even begins.
Since joining Real Madrid from Chelsea in 2018, Courtois has been an integral part of the team, making 230 appearances and contributing significantly to the club’s successes. He has won two La Liga titles and played a pivotal role in Real’s Champions League triumph in 2022.
With Courtois sidelined, Real Madrid faces a challenging situation, as they will rely on Andriy Lunin as their senior goalkeeping option. Lunin, a 24-year-old Ukraine international, has limited experience, and while he has shown promise, he has yet to solidify himself as a top-tier goalkeeper.
This injury not only affects Real Madrid’s domestic and European ambitions but also has implications for Courtois at the international level. Belgium’s head coach, Domenico Tedesco, will be concerned about Courtois’ availability for next summer’s European Championship in Germany.
Courtois’ absence leaves Real Madrid fans and the club’s management contemplating how to address this unexpected void in the starting lineup. It’s a challenging situation that may prompt Real to consider the transfer market for a top-level goalkeeper, given the importance of having a reliable presence between the posts.
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