Carlo Ancelotti Confirms That Thibaut Courtois Has Suffered a “Muscular Problem”

Following their enthralling 1-1 draw against Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid fans have been handed a concerning injury update. Los Blancos’ star keeper, Thibaut Courtois suffered a muscle injury during the Madrid Derby.

Injuries are starting to mount for Carlo Ancelotti. He’s already without the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Eduardo Camavinga, David Alaba, Brahim Diaz and Dani Ceballos. Now, Courtois will undergo medical tests and assessments at Real’s training base in Valdebebas. This is yet another injury blow for the Belgian goalkeeper, who spent a significant portion of last season on the sidelines due to a ruptured cruciate ligament and later suffered a relapse of the same injury. In the post-match press conference, Carlo Ancelotti also stated that Fran Garcia had also suffered a knock. He said, “Fran Garcia has a nasty knock, and Courtois has had a muscular problem. He will undergo tests tomorrow.” 

Fran Garcia was on the receiving end of a dangerous tackle by Marcos Llorente during the dying embers of the match. However, it is Courtois’ injury which will worry many Madrid fans. The 32-year-old Belgian was struggling to come out of his goal during the final moments of the game. According to reports from Radio Marca, Courtois is experiencing some discomfort in his left abductor muscle. With tests being lined up, fans will soon know the extent of Courtois’ injury. Depending on the severity of his injury, Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin could receive his first minutes of the new season on Wednesday. Los Blancos face Lille in their second game of the Champions League. 

As per some medical professionals, an abductor injury could sideline Thibaut Courtois anywhere from two weeks (in case of strain) to more than 3 months (in case of tendinopathy). Real Madrid fans will be hoping that Courtois’ injury is nothing serious. Having said that, back-up goalkeeper Andriy Lunin had a breakout season last year, following Courtois’ ACL injury. The Ukrainian played a crucial role in Real’s 15th Champions League triumph. So, Los Blancos are certainly not short on talent in goal, with Lunin ready to step up and fill the void left by the towering Belgian.

Also Read: Real and Atletico Madrid Play-Out a 1–1 Draw in a Feisty Madrid Derby