Real Madrid’s roster of injured players has endured further setbacks this week with reports indicating significant injury setbacks for both David Alaba and Thibaut Courtois. Alaba’s recovery prospects appear more optimistic, while Courtois is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the season.
Alaba sustained an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in his left knee during Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Villarreal in La Liga last December. Although a return to play within the current season was deemed improbable, recent developments suggest a potential return is within reach.
Miguel Ángel Díaz of COPE Radio in Madrid has reported that Alaba’s rehabilitation from the ACL injury has encountered difficulties. Consequently, the Real Madrid left-back sought specialized treatment from renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Christian Fink, in Austria this week, focusing on his left knee.
David Alaba is becoming injury-prone
Real Madrid has reportedly authorized external medical treatment for one of its players. The club, known as Los Merengues, is expressing concerns regarding the recovery period of Alaba, a prominent player within their ranks. They have sought treatment from a specialist, Fink, in hopes of expediting Alaba’s rehabilitation process. According to reports by Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, Fink’s intervention has proven beneficial for Alaba.
Examinations conducted at Fink’s clinic in Innsbruck have indicated positive progress in Alaba’s recovery. It is anticipated that he could return to play for Real Madrid shortly after the conclusion of the international break. Until then, Alaba will remain in Austria alongside his national team colleagues.
Prior to joining Real Madrid, Alaba enjoyed a relatively injury-free tenure with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. At 31 years old, he currently has two years remaining on his contract with the club. Both Alaba and Real Madrid are hopeful that this recent setback will be the final occurrence of injury during his tenure with the team.
In addition to Alaba’s injury, Thibaut Courtois, the esteemed goalkeeper for Real Madrid, has encountered a setback this week. Courtois sustained a tear to his right knee meniscus during a training session with Los Merengues on Tuesday.
The Thibaut Courtois dream is over
Thibaut Courtois, the Belgian international goalkeeper, had been recuperating from a left knee anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, akin to his teammate Alaba. Courtois sustained his ACL tear during a training session last August. His anticipated return from this injury was scheduled for the upcoming month.
Real Madrid released an official statement on Thursday elucidating Courtois’ current injury status. “Thibaut Courtois underwent a successful surgery today to address a tear in the internal meniscus of his right knee, under the supervision of the Real Madrid Medical Services. Courtois will commence his rehabilitation program in the forthcoming days,” announced the Spanish football club.
Short of a miraculous recovery, Courtois is expected to remain sidelined for the remainder of the season. Real Madrid will maintain reliance on Andriy Lunin, who has deputized for the Belgian goalkeeper throughout the season.