MADRID — Real Madrid was dealt a serious blow on Thursday when goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois tore a ligament in his left knee, simply two days earlier than the staff’s first sport of the season.

The membership stated its star goalkeeper would require surgical procedure, that means that he'll seemingly be out for a big a part of the marketing campaign. Local media reported that the harm occurred throughout coaching.

The harm comes after an offseason that featured the exit of striker Karim Benzema, with the membership having but to signal a alternative.

The 31-year-old Courtois has been a pillar of Madrid‘s success since he arrived from Chelsea in 2018. His saves provided the perfect counterpoint to Benzema’s objectives. The Belgium worldwide helped Madrid win the Champions League in 2022, Spanish league titles in 2020 and 2022, and final season’s Copa del Rey.

Previously, Courtois helped Chelsea win two Premier League titles and an FA Cup. Before his stint in London, he performed for Real Madrid’s rival, Atletico Madrid, serving to it win the Spanish league and Europa League.

Madrid opens the season on Saturday at Athletic Bilbao, when hardly ever used backup Andriy Lunin, a Ukrainian participant, seems to be set to take Courtois‘ place.

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