Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has left the Belgium squad over concerns regarding a potential injury. The former Blues shot-stopper was diagnosed with a slight adductor strain on international duty and will return to Madrid to learn the full extent of this issue.
The Spanish giants host Chelsea for the first-leg of their Champions League quarter-final in just over two weeks' time, before they renew acquaintances at Stamford Bridge the following week. The 30-year-old started between the sticks for his national side during Belgium's 3-0 win at Sweden on Friday, but will be absent from their trip to Germany on Tuesday and could now be a doubt for his club's return to action next weekend.
Madrid face Real Valladolid and Villarreal in La Liga, sandwiched either side of a trip to Barcelona in the Copa del Rey, in the build-up to the European clash. Adductor injuries don't tend to be serious, with Fortius Clinic confirming you will normally be able to return to sports after three to six weeks.
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However, as the early diagnosis is a 'slight strain', the Madrid 'keeper could return in time to face Graham Potter's side. Courtois has been among Madrid's best players this season as they struggle to keep pace with La Liga leaders Barcelona.
He was also named man of the match as the Spanish outfit beat Liverpool 1-0 in last season's Champions League final in Paris. Courtois' deputy this term has been Ukraine international Andriy Lunin, who has been on Madrid's books since 2018.
The 24-year-old has played 11 games this season, including both home and away matches against Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League group stages, conceding nine and keeping four clean sheets. Should Courtois recover for the trip to Stamford Bridge, he will face his former club for the second season running after the two sides met at the same stage last term.
The draw set up a nightmare scenario for Courtois, who made a claim before the draw that he wished to avoid a reunion. "I would like to change a bit. Last year we already faced City and Chelsea, let’s see if we play other teams this year," the shot-stopper said after victory against Liverpool in the previous round.
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