Real Madrid lose Courtois for six weeks ahead of Bayern tie

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss up to six weeks with a muscle injury, dealing the club a major blow ahead of their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich.

The Belgium international sustained the injury during Tuesday’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Manchester City.

He was replaced at half-time by Andriy Lunin as Madrid sealed a 5-1 aggregate win to reach the quarter-finals.

Initial indications suggested the substitution was precautionary.

Manager Alvaro Arbeloa said: “Courtois had some discomfort and wanted to continue, but it wasn’t necessary to take any risks because in four days we have another final: a very important derby and a very challenging match.”

He added: “The good thing is also having a goalkeeper like Lunin, who has been frankly good in the second half and has been solid.

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“From here, I want to congratulate him because what he does every time he gets the opportunity to defend Real Madrid’s goal isn’t easy.”

However, tests have now confirmed the injury.

The club said: “Following tests carried out today on our player Thibaut Courtois by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in the rectus femoris of his right quadriceps.

“His recovery will be monitored.”

Reports indicate Courtois is expected to be sidelined for six weeks, ruling him out of key fixtures including the La Liga derby against Atletico Madrid and both Champions League ties against Bayern Munich.

He is also likely to miss league matches against Mallorca, Girona, Alaves and Real Betis, leaving Lunin to step in during a crucial period of the season.

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