Thibaut Courtois has suffered a lower back injury, potentially causing concern for Real Madrid just before the Club World Cup. Due to the injury, Belgium has been forced to exclude the star goalkeeper from their upcoming World Cup qualifying squad.
Real Madrid officially confirmed Courtois’ back issue on Sunday. After discussions between the club and the Belgian national team’s medical staff, a joint decision was made to sideline him for now.
As a result, Belgium coach has called up Club Brugge goalkeeper Nordin Jackers in Courtois’ place for the matches against North Macedonia on Friday and Wales on June 9. Jackers has yet to make his international debut.
Nottingham Forest’s Matz Sels may be seen guarding the posts for Belgium in these two ‘Group J’ qualifiers.
The 33-year-old Courtois’ injury could also prove to be a significant blow for Real Madrid.
It’s another frustrating setback for the Spanish giants in a season already marred by injuries. Courtois himself has missed a large chunk of the campaign, and the club struggled throughout with a long list of sidelined players. There were even games where former head coach Carlo Ancelotti struggled to field a full-strength XI.
The upcoming Club World Cup represents a chance for the most decorated club in European football to salvage some pride after a difficult year. But missing their first-choice keeper would be a major blow to new coach Xabi Alonso’s plans.
