Thibaut Courtois, excellent at the Etihad Stadium, had to leave the field at half-time due to a muscle injury, and the first news is not reassuring.
It was initially hoped that Courtois would be able to play in this weekend’s Madrid derby, a crucial match in the fight for the Spanish league title between Real Madrid and Barcelona. However, this prospect is becoming more and more distant, especially as Diario AS reports that the Belgian goalkeeper is likely suffering from a torn right adductor.
Courtois will undergo additional medical examinations this Thursday
Courtois will undergo additional medical examinations this Thursday, which will allow a more precise diagnosis to be made. Real Madrid hoped it was just an overload, but Alvaro Arbeloa could now be without his starting goalkeeper for several weeks.
How long will Courtois be out?
Given that Courtois was injured in the warm-up before the match against Manchester City, and likely aggravated his injury while playing, it is possible that the tear is significant. A minor tear would mean an absence of 3 to 4 weeks maximum, but a major tear could keep him away from the field for months. In any case, he will not be able to play again before the international break and is therefore forfeited for this weekend’s Madrid derby.
We must not forget that Real Madrid will face Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals of the Champions League. The first leg will take place in three weeks at the Bernabéu, and if Courtois is lucky he will be able to recover in time, although the latest diagnosis makes it very uncertain.
In the next 24 hours, Real Madrid will know more about Courtois’ situation. The club is hoping for positive news, but in the meantime, Andriy Lunin is preparing to face Atlético Madrid this weekend.
