Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered a torn internal meniscus in his right knee in training today and has been ruled out for the rest of the season, according to Marca.
The 31-year-old recently returned from a long-term injury that kept him sidelined for seven months. He just picked up the pace in training and was eyeing a return to action after the international break.
However, the former Belgian international was seen leaving training in tears, and subsequent scans revealed a torn meniscus. He will be out for around two months.
Courtois will require surgery to deal with the problem, but it is not expected to keep him out for as long as the previous injury he suffered earlier in the season.
The injury was to his other leg, but he will still be hurt by the prospect of missing the rest of the season.
Courtois is arguably the best shot-stopper in the world on his day and a massive presence in the Madrid dressing room, but they will have to cope without him on the run-in.
Los Blancos have been terrific at the back despite notable defensive absentees this season.
Madrid have the best defensive record in La Liga, conceding only 20 goals. They lead the table by eight points and are on course to claim their 36th league trophy.
Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been crucial to Madrid’s resilience at the back this season.
After years of biding his time, the 25-year-old has taken his opportunity and helped Madrid keep eight clean sheets in 17 appearances.
Madrid also took Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea to deputise for Courtois, and the Spanish international has kept six shut-outs in 12 league appearances.
However, Arrizabalaga has not thoroughly impressed during the loan spell, and Madrid are not inclined to make the deal permanent.
It is unclear if the new Courtois injury could make them reconsider their stance.
