Thibaut Courtois: Real Madrid Goalkeeper Breaks Silence After Sustaining Season Ending Injury

• Thibaut Courtois is looking to come back stronger after sustaining an ACL injury in his left knee
• The 31-year-old is set to undergo surgery soon
• Real Madrid kick off their La Liga season on Saturday, August 12th

Real Madrid have been dealt a massive blow after their first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois suffered an ACL injury in training, days before their opening La Liga clash of the 2023/24 season.

The former Chelsea and Atletico Madrid man is expected to miss the majority of the 2023/24 season. He has vowed to work harder on his rehabilitation and come back stronger.

The 31-year-old will need several months to recover. The best-case scenario is a return in April 2024, depending on his rehab, but he could still miss the entire campaign.

Real Madrid will have to make do with Ukrainian goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, who is their only senior goalkeeping option. Manchester United legend, David De Gea has been mentioned as a possible option to come in while Courtois is out.

The biggest World Cup snubs: A list of footballers left out of their countries’ World Cup squad

Football

Courtois reacts to injury

Courtois took to social media to update Real Madrid fans on his situation and speak about his lengthy recovery journey.

“You never expect to go through something like this but now it’s time to accept it and do everything to overcome it and come back even stronger,” Courtois said. “Thanks to everyone for the energy, affection and support, I assure you it motivates me to recover as soon as possible.”

Belgium will hope their veteran goalkeeper will be ready for the 2024 European Championship in Germany.

Courtois has become one of the best keepers in the world. He was named the best goalkeeper in the world at last year's Ballon d'Or awards. Since joining the club in 2018, he has made 230 appearances and won two La Liga titles and one Champions League.

5 possible replacements for Courtois

Sports Brief earlier reported on five goalkeepers that could replace the Belgian shot-stopper following his injury.

'He's talented'- Toni Kroos hails new Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler

Football

David de Gea is the first name that comes up. He is a free agent after leaving Manchester United and has the experience of playing for a big club.

Sevilla's Yassine Bounou has also been mentioned as a possible replacement. Other names include Kepa Arrizabalaga and Keylor Navas.