One thing that has been consistent with Real Madrid over the last few seasons is injuries to key players and this year is no different. The biggest blow comes in the form of Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian is currently sidelined with a muscle injury and Real Madrid just got the more devestating news regarding the goalkeepers status ahead of a number of crucial upcoming games.
As being reported by Rodra of ESPN on X, it would 'almost a miracle' if Courtois managed to be fit for the upcoming Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich next week and as well as the second leg the follwoing week.
The Thibaut Courtois news just went from bad to worse
The Belgian came off injured at halftime of the second leg against Manchester City on March 17th, with initial reports stating he should only be out a couple weeks, but that quickly went downhill. The 33-year-old suffered an injury to his right adductor, with further tests showing he could be out for close to two months rather than just a few weeks.
With the number of crucial upcoming games, this is exactly the kind of news the club was hoping to avoid. Behind Kylian Mbappe, Courtois has been the most important player for Los Blancos this season, being a key player in saving results for the team in a way that only he can. And with crucial games against the likes of Bayern Munich and Barcelona on the horizon, losing Courtois could be what costs Real Madrid the chance at reclaiming their La Liga and Champions League crowns when all is said and done.
However there is one light at the end of the tunnel in this whole situation, and his name is Andriy Lunin. The Ukrainian stepped up during this same situation during the 2023/24 season, cementing himself as somewhat of a modern day 'streets won't forget Real Madrid legend'. Lunin has showed that he has what it takes to step up in the biggest moments for Real Madrid, and he is about to do that again this season.
Lunin stepped up against Bayern in 23/24 and now the club is calling on him do to so again but this time it is a very different Bayern side. The Bundesliga side are the best team in Europe and bring a major test to Arbeloa and his men, but thankfully they have the best backup goalkeeper in the world and have players returning from injury to lift the spirits of fans as we head into the ulitimate Champions League clash.