Thibaut Courtois sends message to Real Madrid fans after ACL injury
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has suffered an ACL injury that will require him to undergo surgery.
The ex-Chelsea goalkeeper left the training ground in tears, and the injury could mean that he’ll be unavailable for the rest of the season.
Real Madrid posted an official statement: “After the tests carried out on our player Thibaut Courtois, he has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The player will undergo surgery in the coming days.”
Thibaut Courtois’ message to Real Madrid fans
Thibaut Courtois posted an update on Instagram for his supporters. He also thanked the fans for their best wishes and vowed to come back stronger than ever.
“You never expect to go through something like this, but now it’s time to accept it and do everything to get over it and come back even stronger,” he wrote.
“Thank you all for the energy, love and encouragement, I assure you that they motivate me to recover as soon as possible.”
Moreover, according to reports, Courtois suffered the injury while heading to collect a loose ball. He was not near any other players when his knee collapsed underneath him.
Who will replace Madrid’s No. 1 goalkeeper?
Andriy Lunin is the only goalkeeper available for Carlo Ancelotti’s side. Moreover, the 24-year-old has limited experience at the highest level. Madrid’s 2023-24 Liga campaign begins in a few days, and they will have to enter the market in search for a new keeper.
Sevilla’s Yassine Bounou is the player they have shortlisted to replace Courtois. Bounou is valued at around €20 million, and is understood to want the move to Madrid.
The Los Blancos will face a significant challenge in replacing Courtois, who has been a standout player ever since he joined the club.
Real Madrid will face Athletic Club in their first game week, and Lunin will start that game. However, before their second game against Almeria they should be able to sign a replacement.
