Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage in training today and will likely miss the rest of the season, according to The Athletic.
The Belgian international will undergo surgery to deal with the problem, and the best-case scenario will see him return in April.
However, there is a lot of gloom surrounding the situation and medics at the club believe his season is over.
The 31-year-old has been a mainstay for the Madrid club since joining them five years ago from Chelsea for around €35 million.
He has featured in over 200 games for the club, helping them win the Champions League, La Liga, Copa del Rey, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Courtois will be a massive miss for the 14-time Champions League winners this season.
With their La Liga campaign resuming in two days, Los Blancos have only one senior goalkeeper available, Andriy Lunin.
Madrid will likely enter the market for a new shot-stopper, and they have been linked with a move for Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Los Blancos wanted to sign him in January 2018 but decided against triggering his then €20 million release clause.
They waited until the summer of that year and signed Courtois from Chelsea. The Blues triggered Arrizabalaga’s renewed €80m clause to take him to Stamford Bridge.
However, Madrid will face competition from Bayern Munich for Arrizabalaga’s signature. Bayern have also lost their first-choice keeper Manuel Neuer to injury.
The Bundesliga champions have already submitted an offer to Chelsea and await a response.
Another rumoured option for Madrid is FC Porto keeper Diogo Costa. The Portugal international has a hefty release clause.
Former Madrid target David De Gea remains on the free agent market and could pique their interest.
