Real Madrid have confirmed that Thibaut Courtois will be sidelined for six to eight weeks, with the goalkeeper not expected to return until mid-May.
The timing comes as a major setback for the club during a decisive phase of both the domestic season and European competition.
The Belgian international is set to miss a demanding run of fixtures, including clashes against Atlético Madrid, Mallorca, Girona, Alavés, Real Betis, Espanyol and Barcelona in La Liga. He will also be unavailable for both legs of the Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich, and could potentially miss the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League semi-finals if Madrid advance.
Courtois’ absence leaves Madrid without one of their most reliable performers, with the goalkeeper widely regarded as a key figure in the team’s defensive stability. His injury places increased responsibility on the remaining goalkeeping options, who will be tasked with stepping up in a period that could define the club’s season.
In Courtois’ absence, Andriy Lunin is expected to step in as the starting goalkeeper. Lunin will now be tasked with leading the line between the posts during a critical stretch of the season, with Madrid relying on his performances in both league and European fixtures.
With crucial matches approaching on multiple fronts, Madrid must now navigate a challenging stretch without their first-choice goalkeeper as they continue their pursuit of silverware.