Thibaut Courtois suffers ANOTHER knee injury as Belgian keeper is spotted leaving Real Madrid training in tears – just days after returning from ACL problem

Thibaut Courtois has suffered a fresh injury blow – just days after returning to training following a long-term absence.

The Real Madrid keeper sustained an ACL injury back in August in the build-up to the 2023-24 campaign getting away.

After several months out, Courtois returned to full training last week as he stepped up his recovery, with the 31-year-old maintaining hopes of playing a key role in the run-in for Real and at Euro 2024 for Belgium.

However, on Tuesday, Courtois agonisingly suffered a major setback and he reportedly seen leaving the pitch in tears.

Real Madrid subsequently confirmed he had picked up another knee injury, meaning he may now be ruled out for the rest of the season.

In a statement, they said: ‘After the tests carried out today on our player Thibaut Courtois, he has been diagnosed with a torn internal meniscus in his right knee. 

‘The injury occurred during today’s training session. Evolution pending.’

Spanish outlet Marca reported that the meniscus injury was on the opposite knee to the one that suffered the ACL problem.

It is a major blow for Real, and the report claims is likely the Belgian will have to undergo surgery, with the usual recovery time from a meniscus injury tending to take anywhere from six weeks to three months.

Speaking last week, Real boss Carlo Ancelotti had said he expected to have Courtois and Eder Militao – who also suffered an ACL injury in the opening game of the season – back and available after the international break.

‘They have started working with the team this week, we will take advantage of this break to do friendlies against the youth team, Ancelotti said last Friday. 

‘I think they will be ready for the match on the 31st (against Athletic Bilbao). We won’t take any risks. They are doing very well.’

Courtois’ injury on the eve of the season prompted the Spanish giants to sign Chelsea’s Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan.

Kepa has competed with Ukrainian stopper Andriy Lunin for the No 1 shirt, although the Chelsea outcast has found himself second choice in recent times. 

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