Real Madrid have been dealt a significant blow as their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has sustained an ACL injury during training, likely rendering him unable to play for the entire 2023-2024 season.
Courtois, widely regarded as one of the world’s top goalkeepers, has played a pivotal role in Real’s successes during his time guarding the net.
At 31 years old, Courtois has contributed to two La Liga titles and a Champions League crown for the Spanish giants.
His injury is a severe setback for Real’s aspirations this season, forcing the team to secure a replacement goalkeeper.
Complicating matters is the fact that Real Madrid’s senior squad only features one other goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin from Ukraine.
While the 24-year-old Lunin has demonstrated promise, his involvement last season consisted of only 12 appearances.
The incident casts a shadow over a season that was full of promise for Real following the €103 million signing of English midfielder Jude Bellingham.
Los Blancos sit on the third line of Champions League title betting at +900 with the top sportsbooks, while they are +100 favourites to win La Liga.
Real Madrid are set to commence their league campaign this Saturday with an away match against Atletico Bilbao, where Carlo Ancelotti’s men are paying +110 on the moneyline at Bovada.
