Courtois to undergo surgery as Madrid confirm ACL injury

The statement, in which Real confirmed the seriousness of the injury to their first-choice goalkeeper, said: "Following tests carried out on our player Thibaut Courtois, he has been diagnosed with a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.

"The player will undergo surgery in the coming days."

Courtois' team-mates and members of the coaching staff realised the severity of the injury the moment in happened.

The Belgian left on a stretcher with tears in his eyes, which does not bode well. 

It was then confirmed shortly afterward, the goalkeeper will undergo surgery in the next few days after sustaining an ACL injury.

The recovery period from such an injury is typically more than six months, but each case is different and schedules can fluctuate because of this.

In any case, Real Madrid will have to prepare to be without Courtois until well into 2024.

The situation almost certainly forces the club to search the transfer market for a new goalkeeper, even if a temporary one.

Andriy Lunin had been eyeing the exit door at the Bernabéu, but he will most likely have to stay now.

Real are already scouring the market for opportunities, but whoever may be signed will be inferior to one of the world's best goalkeeper.

That is so say, manager Carlo Ancelotti has been dealt a huge blow just before the start of the season.