Real Madrid's primary goalkeeper, the Belgian international Thibaut Courtois, has been diagnosed with a meniscus tear in his right knee. According to the club's MRI results, this new blow comes just as he was nearing a full recovery from an ACL injury in his left knee sustained last August. The 31-year-old suffered the setback during training this past Tuesday, putting a stop to any immediate plans for his return. The club had been eagerly awaiting his comeback, especially with a massive Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City looming in early April.
Belgian star goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid’s first-choice custodian, has sustained a meniscus tear in his right knee, the club confirmed after an MRI diagnostic. This development comes after Courtois had been on the path to recovery from a previous ACL tear in his left knee that he sustained last August, sidelining him for several months. The 31-year-old Belgian international’s most recent injury came during a training session on Tuesday, dashed hopes of an immediate comeback to the squad. Real Madrid had been anxiously anticipating Courtois’ return, especially with crucial matchups on the horizon, including a Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City in early April.
The official statement from Real Madrid clarified that Courtois has damaged the internal meniscus of his right knee. Losing such a pivotal player is a heavy blow, leaving the team to struggle through the season's most decisive moments without their best keeper. Carlo Ancelotti had expressed confidence that both Courtois and defender Eder Militao—another victim of an August ACL injury—would soon be reintegrated. The manager had planned for them to play two friendly matches against the youth squad during the international break to prepare them for a return to first-team action in the final stretch of the season.
international break, with the goal of returning to first-team involvement in the season’s final phase.
During a press conference last week, Ancelotti noted that Courtois and Militao had already rejoined the group and were participating in standard training. He mentioned that they were on track to be available for the first leg against Manchester City. In fact, the goal was to have them ready by March 31st for the La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao, though he emphasized that the club would not take any unnecessary risks with their health.
Unfortunately, this sudden injury has forced the club to scrap those plans. Real Madrid must now move forward without their star keeper during a series of make-or-break matches in both the league and Europe. For now, the club will rely on Andrey Lunin and Kepa Arrizabalaga. Arrizabalaga joined Madrid on a loan deal from Chelsea FC that runs until June 30, 2024.
Arsenal's David Raya reached out to Courtois, wishing his Madrid colleague a fast recovery. Raya praised the Belgian, noting that he has been the world's top goalkeeper in recent years and expressing his hope for a quick return to form.