Real without Courtois for crucial games

The worst possible scenario has come true for Real Madrid. It was already suspected after the second leg against Manchester City, and now it’s been confirmed: detailed examinations have revealed that Thibaut Courtois has suffered a serious injury to the muscle in his right thigh, which will sideline him for at least six weeks. This means that Alvaro Arbeloa will not be able to count on the Belgian goalkeeper during the crucial phase of the season, when the club will be fighting for both the La Liga title and the UEFA Champions League trophy. Courtois will certainly miss the Madrid derby against Atletico Madrid this Sunday, as well as the Champions League quarterfinal tie against FC Bayern Munich.

There is no doubt that Andriy Lunin will replace him in goal, having already come on at halftime in the match in Manchester. Lunin, who joined Real in 2018 from FC Zorya Luhansk for 8.5 million euros, has already made 66 appearances for the club and left a very solid impression. However, he is not Courtois, who is undoubtedly among the top five goalkeepers in the world. All in all, Real will play at least seven matches without Courtois, and it remains a big question whether he will be ready even for the first legs of the Champions League semifinals (April 28), assuming the Madrid side make it that far.