Credits: IMAGO / Newscom World

Thibaut Courtois Injury Update: What Happened to Real Madrid Goalkeeper and When Will He Be Back?

Credits: IMAGO / Newscom World

Real Madrid have been hit with yet another injury concern. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has sustained a fresh muscular issue in his right leg. The Belgian goalkeeper experienced discomfort following his recent outing against Rayo Vallecano.

This prompted immediate medical attention at Valdebebas. Initial scans revealed a strain in the long adductor muscle. This blow will see Belgium’s final World Cup qualifiers this month. Real Madrid’s official medical report confirmed the diagnosis.

🚨 Thibaut Courtois suffer injury to the adductor longus muscle in his leg 🤕⚠️

Real Madrid staff will assess him during the break as Courtois will miss the upcoming games with Belgium. pic.twitter.com/yNqMeQV1DU
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) November 10, 2025

But they didn’t provide an exact recovery date. However, early estimates suggest Courtois could be sidelined for around twelve days. Hence, he is set to miss both of Belgium’s crucial fixtures against Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein. But he could return in time for Real Madrid’s La Liga clash against Elche on November 23.

Another Challenge for Thibaut Courtois

This latest setback comes at a particularly frustrating moment for Thibaut Courtois. He was only beginning to regain full rhythm after spending months recovering from a torn ACL earlier in the year. Reportedly, club medical staff are approaching the situation with caution.

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They are aware of the physical and mental strain that accompanies repeated interruptions in a player’s rehabilitation journey. Within Real Madrid, the feeling is one of guarded optimism. Sources close to the team have stated that Courtois’ injury is ‘not major’.

Even so, he will need strict rest. He will be monitored for the right way to recover to prevent aggravation. For Carlo Ancelotti, it’s another fitness concern on top of Fede Valverde’s recent muscle problems. It further tested the squad’s depth heading into a busy phase of the season.

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Real Madrid and Belgium Await His Return

Courtois’ absence is also a major blow for Belgium. The national team rely heavily on his leadership and composure between the posts. The team will need to adjust quickly as they chase qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

Whereas, for Real Madrid, the hope remains that their first-choice goalkeeper will return fit and ready after the international break. Having just rediscovered his form, Courtois will be eager to return. However, his recovery will be handled with the utmost care to ensure there are no further setbacks.

Moumita Dutta

soccer

Football writer at The Playoffs. I’ve been obsessed with the beautiful game since I was a kid.. Eventually, I realized I could combine my passion for writing with my love for football, and I’ve never looked back. My favorite part of the job is everything—when you’re doing what you love, even a late-night deadline feels like extra time in a thrilling cup final. Lastly, Lionel Messi is the GOAT.