Chelsea’s Champions League hopes have been handed a huge boost this season, as Thibaut Courtois was forced to withdraw from international duty with a worrying injury.
Belgium’s number one was diagnosed with a slight adductor strain while on international duty and has withdrawn from the squad to return to Madrid for assessment immediately.
The 30-year old shot-stopper started in net for the Red Devils’ first Euro qualifier on Friday, with Belgium showing their class as they cruised past Sweden 3-0.
As a consequence of Courtois’ injury, Belgium will be left without their 6ft 7 keeper against Germany on Tuesday, with Wolfsburg’s Koen Casteels expected to line up in his place.
𝙐𝙋𝘿𝘼𝙏𝙀: Thibaut returned for precaution reasons back to Real Madrid due to a minor strain in the adductor. pic.twitter.com/WCHfAOXzA3
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) March 26, 2023
While Courtois’ injury may be a nightmare scenario for real Madrid, it is something that Chelsea fans could only have dreamed of when they were drawn against Los Blancos in the Champions League.
Chelsea are set to take on Real Madrid in the Champions League quarter final at the Bernabeu on the 16th of April, with the reverse fixture at Stamford Bridge coming a week later.
Former Blues keeper Courtois is now a major doubt for both legs of their Champions League tie in April, but there is still no specific timeline on the keeper’s injury while he is assessed in Madrid.
Courtois at full reach 💫@thibautcourtois || #UCL pic.twitter.com/yoS9gTLDny
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) March 20, 2023
The loss of Courtois not only hurts Madrid’s European hopes however, as domestic success could also be halted by the injured goalkeeper.
Without the Belgian in goal, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will face an even tougher uphill battle in the second leg of the Copa Del Rey semi-final as they look to overturn a 1-0 Barcelona victory in the first leg.
The final El Classico of the season takes place next Wednesday and it looks like one of Madrid’s most important players is set to miss out on the grudge match.
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