Real Madrid’s injury list went from bad to worse this week when news broke that both David Alaba and Thibaut Courtois apparently suffered major injury setbacks. Thankfully, it now seems Alaba will be fit sooner or later. Courtois, though, is likely out for the rest of the season.
Alaba tore his ACL in his left knee in Real Madrid’s 4-1 La Liga win versus Villarreal last December. It was always a longshot that he would return to the side this season, but now it seems very possible.
According to Miguel Ángel Díaz of COPE Radio in Madrid, Alaba’s recovery from his ACL injury has not gone well. The Real Madrid left back reportedly flew to Austria this week to receive special treatment from world-renowned doctor Christian Fink on his left knee.
David Alaba is becoming injury-prone
Real Madrid have reportedly sanctioned the external treatment. Los Merengues are concerned with Alaba’s recovery time. They hoped treatment from Fink could help the Austrian get back on track with his recovery. According to The Athletic’s Guillermo Rai, Fink’s treatment has helped Alaba.
Tests at Fink’s clinic in Innsbruck have revealed that Alaba’s recovery is going well. He could be back for Real Madrid as soon as after the international window. Until then Alaba will stay in Austria with his international teammates.
Prior to coming to Real Madrid, Alaba had a relatively injury-free career with Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. He is 31 years old with two years left on his contract. For Alaba and Real Madrid’s sake, let’s hope this most recent is the last of his injuries with the club.
Legendary goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois also suffered an injury setback this week. The Belgian sustained a right-knee meniscus tear during training with Los Merengues on Tuesday.
The Thibaut Courtois dream is over
Like Alaba, the Belgian international also was on the mend from a left knee ACL injury. Courtois tore his ACL during a training session last August. He was set to return from injury sometime next month.
Real Madrid issued a statement on Thursday, clarifying Courtois’ injury status. “Thibaut Courtois underwent successful surgery today for a tear to the internal meniscus of his right knee, under the supervision of the Real Madrid Medical Services. Courtois will start his recovery program in the next few days,” the Spanish giant revealed.
Barring a miracle, Courtois is likely out for the rest of the season. Real Madrid will continue to rely on Andriy Lunin, who has filled in for the Belgian all season.
