In a recent setback for Real Madrid, goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois encountered a new knee issue amidst his recovery from an earlier ACL rupture.
The 31-year-old Belgian, yet to play this season, was nearing a return post-international break. Unfortunately, a torn meniscus during a training session left Courtois visibly distressed.
Initially feared to be a severe injury due to a distressing “crack” he felt, subsequent scans revealed a less serious condition.
According to reports by Mario Cortegana, Courtois is slated for surgery aimed at addressing this meniscus tear, a procedure expected to be simpler than his prior ACL operation.
This surgery primarily intends to clean up the area affected by the tear, which has ruptured a stitch from a 2015 meniscus repair.
“He had his meniscus stitched then [in 2015] and the suture (row of stitches) has now ruptured,” a source close to the player told The Athletic.
This development likely concludes Courtois’ playing season, with a projected recovery sidelining him for seven weeks, potentially allowing for a May return.
Real Madrid’s season finale in La Liga is scheduled for May 26, with the UEFA Champions League final on June 1. It is uncertain if Real Madrid will rush Courtois’ return for these concluding matches or focus on his recovery for the forthcoming season.
In the worst-case scenario, the new injury could mean that the Belgian goalkeeper will miss the rest of the season. Should this turn out to be the case, it would be a heavy blow for Real Madrid, who have already been without him for the first half of this season.
