What injury does Real Madrid’s Courtois have and how long will he be out for?

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has left the Belgium squad after suffering a groin issue, his national team has confirmed.

“Thibaut returned for precaution reasons back to Real Madrid due to a minor strain in the adductor,” Belgium said on Sunday.

Courtois played the full 90 minutes in Belgium’s 3-0 win over Sweden in Euro 2024 qualifying on Friday, but will now miss Les Diables Rouges’ friendly against Germany on Tuesday.

Real Madrid preparing for crucial games in April

The 30-year-old’s injury is concerning news for Madrid, who have crunch fixtures coming up. Los Blancos face Barcelona in the return leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals on 5 April - with the Blaugrana 1-0 up from the first leg - before taking on Chelsea in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Madrid host the Blues in the first leg of the last eight on 12 April, then go to Stamford Bridge for the second leg six days later.

Courtois to have tests on injury on return to Spain

Although Belgium say the injury isn’t serious, as things stand it remains unclear exactly how long Courtois’ recovery is likely to take.

Once he is back in the Spanish capital, Madrid’s medical team will examine the keeper to ascertain the exact extent of the problem.

The Spanish and European champions’ next game is a home LaLiga clash with Real Valladolid on Saturday 2 April.