Real Madrid’s season has been handed a major blow before it even started. Thibaut Courtois, who is a nailed-on starter in Carlo Ancelotti’s team, has suffered a serious injury that is expected to put him on the sidelines for a long time. And Los Blancos will surely need to bring in a replacement for the Belgian goalkeeper as soon as possible in the summer transfer window.
As reported by Real Madrid’s official website, Courtois has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The Belgian goalkeeper will undergo surgery in the coming days.
A torn ACL is one of the most serious injuries that a footballer can suffer. The extent of Courtois’ injury is not known but it usually takes between six to nine months to recover from and might take longer for athletes to be cleared to return to the field.
One also has to consider that Courtois is 31 years of age. Thus, it is very possible that the Belgian might not play this season.
Real Madrid superstar suffers potential season-ending injury
A torn ACL can be a career-altering injury for footballers. And especially for someone like Courtois, who is past his 30th birthday.
The injury could not have come at a worse possible time for Courtois. He was arguably the best goalkeeper in the world on current form and was expected to remain Real Madrid’s starting goalkeeper for years to come.
Now, Real Madrid must dip into the transfer market and bring in a replacement for Courtois. They already have the highly-rated Andriy Lunin in their ranks but some of his recent performances have left a lot to be desired.
It would not be a surprise if Real Madrid make a Diego Lopez-style signing. Someone who is not expected to be a long-term starter but is good enough to take the first-team gloves for a season or two. As for Courtois, we can only wish him the best of luck in his recovery.