Football news Real Madrid injury problems deepen with Thibaut Courtois setback

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been sidelined with a hip problem, leaving the stuttering European champions without a total of seven players due to injury and suspension.

Madrid said in a statement on Wednesday that the Belgian had a grade one injury in his left hip muscle, without stating for how long he would be ruled out.

Spanish media reports said Courtois would be out for around 10 days, ruling him out of Sunday's trip to Real Betis in La Liga as well as both Copa del Rey games against Leganes.

Liga

La Liga clubs can return to full training from Monday

30/05/2020 at 12:46

The Belgian was expected to be on the bench for Wednesday's first-leg match and the return leg on Jan. 16, with Keylor Navas playing instead.

Courtois's injury setback comes one day after Germany midfielder Toni Kroos was diagnosed with a thigh problem, ruling him out for between three to four weeks and meaning he will miss a crunch league game against high-flying Sevilla on Jan. 19.

Real Madrid's French defender Raphael Varane (L) and Real Madrid's Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois react

Image credit: Getty Images

Real winger Lucas Vazquez is suspended for Sunday's visit to Real Betis after being sent off in last week's 2-0 defeat to Real Sociedad, which left Santiago Solari's side fifth in La Liga and 10 points behind leaders Barcelona.

Record signing Gareth Bale is currently sidelined with a groin strain and is not due back until the end of the month, while fellow forwards Marco Asensio, Mariano Diaz as well as midfield anchor Marcos Llorente are also unavailable due to injury.

Liga

Messi prefers not to over-think risk of infection as La Liga return looms

15/05/2020 at 12:11

Liga

Barcelona in crisis as six directors quit

12/04/2020 at 13:26

Liga

Barca players open to pay cut amidst coronavirus pandemic - report

22/03/2020 at 11:00