Real Madrid suffer major blow ahead of 2023-24 season, Thibaut Courtois tears ACL

Real Madrid have been hit with a major setback as Thibaut Courtois, their star goalkeeper, has been confirmed to have sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during training. The club’s medical staff have indicated that Courtois will need to undergo surgery for the injury, putting his availability for the rest of the season in doubt.

The Belgian goalkeeper was carried off the training field on a stretcher last Thursday, and subsequent assessments revealed the extent of the damage to his anterior cruciate ligament.

This injury has left Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, with a difficult decision to make, as Courtois’ absence leaves them with only Andriy Lunin as a viable option in the goalkeeping department. The young Ukrainian keeper has struggled to make a lasting impression, and the pressure will be on him to step up in the upcoming La Liga campaign.

Real Madrid issued an official statement, acknowledging Courtois’ injury and outlining their plans for his recovery: “Following the examinations conducted on Thibaut Courtois, it has been determined that he has suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The player is scheduled to undergo surgical intervention in the forthcoming days.”

The timing of this injury is particularly challenging for Real Madrid, as they are about to kick off the new La Liga season with an away game against Athletic Club on August 13.

Ancelotti will have to rely on Lunin, hoping that the young keeper can rise to the occasion. As speculation grows about potential transfers to fill the void left by Courtois, Real Madrid find themselves facing a crucial juncture that could shape the trajectory of their season. All eyes will be on how they manage this unexpected and demanding situation.