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.

Real Madrid’s statement went into detail about Courtois’ injury, saying that he has a damaged internal meniscus in his right knee. This revelation is a significant blow to the team’s hopes, as they will now have to negotiate critical portions of the season without one of their standout players. Madrid’s Manager Carlo Ancelotti had earlier voiced hope about reintegrating Courtois and Brazilian defender Eder Militao, who also suffered an ACL injury in August, back into the squad. Ancelotti’s plan called for both players to play two friendly matches against Real Madrid’s minor squad during the
international break, with the goal of returning to first-team involvement in the season’s final phase.

Courtois and Militao have started to work with the group, completing normal training sessions, Ancelotti told a press conference last week. I think they will be able to make it to the first leg against Manchester City. In fact, the idea is that they will be available on March 31st, for the La Liga match against Athletic Bilbao, but we won’t risk anything, that’s more than clear, he added.

However, Courtois’s unexpected injury has forced a revision of these plans, leaving Real Madrid to contend with the absence of their key goalkeeper as they face pivotal matches in both domestic and European competitions. Real Madrid currently have Kepa Arrizabalaga and Andrey Lunin as their two fit options in the goalkeeping department. Earlier, Real Madrid and Chelsea FC agreed on the loan of the player Arrizabalaga, who is linked to the club this season, until June 30, 2024.

Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has sent his best wishes to his Madrid counterpart Courtois for a speedy recovery. Courtois has been the best goalkeeper in recent years and I hope he gets better soon, Raya said.