Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois looked as if he was on the verge of returning from injury in the near future, but there is once again concern about his health after he left the training pitch in tears on Tuesday afternoon.
The 31-year-old injured his anterior cruciate ligament last August just three days before Real Madrid’s first fixture of the season, and after undergoing surgery and months of recovery, there is fear that he could have another serious injury. As per Marca, the extent of his injury is not known, but Courtois’ reaction has set alarm bells ringing.
They say that another ACL injury has been ruled out, but that his meniscus in his right knee has been injured. While only initial tests have been carried out, it appears as if he will have to undergo surgery again to clean up his knee. This is not concerned a major problem, but will be major blow to Courtois on the verge of his return. Typically, recovery can take anywhere between six weeks and three months, which would rule him out for the rest of the season.
Courtois was expected to return to action in the coming weeks, having last week begun training at full pelt again. Andriy Lunin will continue as number one until Courtois regains fitness, and has impressed in the absence of arguably the world’s best shot-stopper this season. Beating out Kepa for the position, Lunin has made several brilliant saves in recent months, most notably seeing Real Madrid through in the Champions League against RB Leipzig.
