Thibaut Courtois tears meniscus, status uncertain for season

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss more time after injuring his meniscus during training. The Belgian shot-stopper has not played for Los Blancos this season. He tore the ACL in his left knee just before the beginning of the campaign. Real Madrid has relied on goalkeepers Andriy Lunin and Kepa Arrizabalaga for what has been a successful campaign so far.

However, Courtois had returned to training over the last few weeks to prepare for a return to action. Consequently, manager Carlo Ancelotti wanted to reintroduce Courtois at some point after the March international break. Real Madrid has a pivotal stretch of games to firm up its place at the top of La Liga. Also, Los Blancos will face title holders Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals. The goalkeeper has not featured for Real Madrid this season.

Real Madrid released a statement on Tuesday that confirmed Courtois will stay on the sidelines for the foreseeable future. Sources at ESPN said Courtois departed training in tears upon the realization that he will miss more time.

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

Thibaut Courtois meniscus injury may mean the end of the season

While Courtois was understandably emotional upon injuring his other knee, there is still a chance for a return in the 2023/24 campaign. The recovery time for a meniscus tear like Courtois’ is between four and six weeks. If the latter is the case, Courtois could return at the beginning of May. Yet, that only leaves a handful of domestic league games and whatever is left in the UEFA Champions League. At best, Courtois would only be available for eight games. That includes three games in the UEFA Champions League semifinals. That is no guarantee against a club like Manchester City in the…


Source link : https://worldsoccertalk.com/news/thibaut-courtois-tears-meniscus-status-uncertain-for-season

Author : Kyle Fansler

Publish date : 2024-03-19 21:25:43

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