Real Madrid faces a significant setback in their pursuit of silverware this season.
Major Blow for Real Madrid: Courtois to Miss Derby, Bayern Tie at Risk
Thibaut Courtois will miss this weekend’s crucial Madrid derby, and the club now fears the Belgian goalkeeper could also be absent for the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.
The news delivers a heavy blow to Arbeola’s side. Courtois suffered the injury during the warm-up before Real Madrid’s Champions League victory over Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
He aggravated the issue while playing the first half, forcing him off at the interval. Early optimism suggested the problem was minor, but further assessments paint a grimmer picture.
According to Diario AS, the 31-year-old has possibly suffered a tear in his right adductor. He will undergo more medical examinations on Thursday to determine the full extent of the damage.
The club initially hoped the issue was simply an overload, but the latest diagnosis raises serious concerns.
If tests confirm a minor tear, Courtois will likely miss three to four weeks. This scenario would make him a major doubt for the first leg against Bayern Munich, which takes place at the Bernabeu in three weeks.
However, if the tear proves significant, he could face months on the sidelines.
Either way, Courtois will not play again before the international break. This rules him out definitively for Sunday’s derby against Atletico Madrid at the Metropolitano.
The match carries massive importance in the La Liga title race, with Real Madrid battling Barcelona for top spot.
Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin will step in against Atletico. He performed admirably against Manchester City, but the looming Bayern tie now causes major headaches for the coaching staff.
Real Madrid will pray for positive news in the next 24 hours. Losing Courtois for the Bayern clash would represent a massive disadvantage.
His experience and shot-stopping ability proved decisive in getting past Manchester City, and without him, Real Madrid’s chances of progressing in Europe take a significant hit. The club now holds its breath, waiting for the final medical verdict.
