Thibaut Courtois leaves Belgium camp after new injury setback

The Belgian Football Association RBFA has confirmed that Thibaut Courtois will return to Spain to continue his recovery after sustaining muscle injury while playing for Real Madrid in La Liga.

The 32 year old goalkeeper suffered strain to the right adductor muscle during Madrid’s 0-0 draw with Rayo Vallecano on Sunday in matchday 12 of La Liga. Real Madrid released medical statement on Monday confirming the diagnosis.

Courtois returns to Madrid for treatment

Although the player initially traveled to Belgium’s training camp for further assessment, national team doctors have since validated Real Madrid’s findings. The RBFA announced on Tuesday that Courtois would return to Madrid immediately to continue his rehabilitation under the club’s medical supervision.

According to the Belgian FA, the Real Madrid goalkeeper is not expected to feature in the upcoming World Cup qualifying matches against Kazakhstan & Liechtenstein both crucial fixtures for Belgium as they seek to seal qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

However early reports from Madrid suggest Courtois could be fit in time for the club’s next La Liga fixture against Elche on Sunday, 23 November.

Courtois who has already endured difficult spell with injuries over the past year, will be carefully monitored by Real Madrid’s medical team to avoid any setbacks.

The goalkeeper’s absence from the Belgian camp is considered precautionary, with head coach Rudi Garcia unwilling to risk further aggravation of the injury ahead of packed domestic and European schedule.

Belgium eye qualification with or without their No1

Belgium currently sit atop their qualifying group and require three point from their final two fixture to secure automatic passage to the 2026 World Cup.

Khaled Hegazy |

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Journaliste sportif spécialisé dans la couverture du football et la création de contenu numérique, alliant expérience éditoriale et expertise des médias sociaux.

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