Topics: Thibaut Courtois, Real Madrid, La Liga
Los Blancos kick off their Spanish top-flight campaign this weekend but will be without one of their most crucial players for the foreseeable future following this injury.

Real Madrid's hopes of reclaiming the Spanish top-flight title from Barcelona have taken a huge blow as one of their star players has suffered a major injury just days before the 2023-24 season kicks off.

That player is none other than Thibaut Courtois, regarded by many as one of the best goalkeepers in world football. The Belgian, who was named Man of the Match in the 2022 UEFA Champions League final which Los Blancos won, picked up this injury during training.

This incident leaked to the press, with COPE reporting that the Belgian shot-stopper left in tears following this gutting moment.

Then came the official confirmation from Real Madrid. Not only was this a knee injury, but this was also an ACL tear in his left knee, with Los Blancos announcing that the goalkeeper is now scheduled to undergo surgery after tests revealed the extent of this injury.

"Following tests carried out on Thibaut Courtois, the player has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee," the club wrote in an official statement. "The player will undergo surgery in the coming days."

And as later revealed by Fabrizio Romano, Ancelotti's side have now been forced to enter the market to sign a new goalkeeper. The first name being linked with Los Merengues is an obvious one and that is David de Gea, the Spanish goalie who came achingly close to moving to Santiago Bernabeu back in 2015.

The 32-year-old is no longer at the peak of his powers but he is a free agent after leaving Manchester United over the summer. A move to Saudi Arabia appeared to be on the horizon but that could change if Real Madrid make an offer.

While the 2023-24 La Liga season kicks off this Friday, Real Madrid's campaign commences on Saturday with their trip to Athletic Club. For a comprehensive preview of the upcoming Spanish top-flight season and where to watch the games lives, check out our detailed broadcast guide.