“Courtois was suffering from an issue with his right adductor, a group of muscles located at the top of the thigh,” reported sources following the Champions League match between Real Madrid and Manchester City. The incident occurred on March 17, 2026, at the Etihad Stadium, where Courtois was substituted at halftime.
Andriy Lunin replaced Courtois after the break, as the Real Madrid goalkeeper reported a minor fitness issue specifically with his right adductor. This substitution was deemed a precautionary measure due to muscle overload, particularly as Courtois had been struggling with a lingering hamstring strain prior to the match.
Despite the concern surrounding Courtois’ fitness, Real Madrid held a commanding 4-1 aggregate lead at halftime against Manchester City, which provided some comfort to the team and its supporters. However, the loss of their primary ‘guardian’ between the posts has cast a sudden shadow over Los Merengues’ otherwise dominant European campaign.
Courtois is expected to undergo detailed medical examinations upon the team’s return to Madrid to assess the nature of his injury. Initial reports suggest that he is not suffering from a serious injury, but the situation remains fluid.
The player is expected to undergo further medical tests upon the team’s return to Madrid to precisely assess the severity of the injury and the duration of his absence from the team. Details remain unconfirmed, and fans will be eagerly awaiting updates on Courtois’ condition.
As Real Madrid prepares for the next stages of the Champions League, the team will need to navigate the potential absence of their star goalkeeper. The situation highlights the physical demands placed on players at this level and the importance of managing fitness effectively.
With the Champions League knockout stages approaching, the health of key players like Courtois will be critical for Real Madrid’s aspirations in the tournament. The team will be hoping for a swift recovery for their goalkeeper as they aim to maintain their strong position in the competition.
