Real Madrid goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois has pulled out of the Belgium squad due to an adductor injury he sustained, just a few days away from their upcoming international friendly match against Germany.
The 30-year-old featured fully in Friday’s easy 3-0 victory over Sweden in their first Euro 2024 qualifying game.
But due to an adductor injury, Courtois was compelled to withdraw out of caution and return to his club side, Real Madrid. He misses Belgium’s International friendly match with Germany billed for Rhein Energie Stadion on Tuesday, March 28 2023.
A statement released by the Belgium FA via Twitter as reported by Daily Mail read: ‘Thibaut returned for precaution reasons back to Real Madrid due to a minor strain in the adductor.’
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The information will cause concern for Carlo Ancelotti’s team because they have a busy schedule coming up after the international break.
The injury is coming at a pretty bad time, as the Los Blancos need a full-fledged squad to compete in all forefronts. They are currently 12 points behind Barcelona in the lLaliga standing. They face a rejuvenated Chelsea side in the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals. And they are on the verge of elimination in the Copa del Rey.
Courtois’ injury could prevent him from playing against Barcelona in the reverse fixture of their Copa del Rey semi-final. Their Spanish rivals hold a goal advantage over them going to the second leg.
On April 12, Real Madrid will also take on Courtois’ former side, Chelsea, in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final.
The goalkeeper has already missed eight games this season across all competitions. This is due to sciatica and a hamstring injury he sustained during that time.
After the international break, Real Madrid will host Real Valladolid at the Bernabeu on April 2.
By Habeeb Kuranga
