Thibaut Courtois Ruled Out of Real Madrid’s UCL Clash Against Lille Due to Abductor Injury – News18

Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss Real Madrid’s match at Lille in the Champions League on Wednesday because of a muscle injury.

Following tests on Monday, Courtois was diagnosed with an abductor injury in his left leg, Madrid said.

Spanish media estimate he will return in mid-October after the impending international break, missing the Champions League visit to Lille on Wednesday and next weekend’s home La Liga match against Villarreal.

“After tests carried out today on our player Thibaut Courtois by the Real Madrid medical services, he has been diagnosed with an abductor injury,” the club said in a statement.

Courtois sustained the injury during Madrid’s derby 1-1 draw at rivals Atletico in La Liga on Sunday, a match in which he was also targeted by home fans of his former club who threw objects including lighters at him.

The Belgian, who recently said he will not play for the national team while Domenico Tedesco is in charge, has started all 10 games for Real this season.

He spent most of last season out with a severe knee injury but returned in time to start in Madrid’s Champions League final triumph.

Ukrainian goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is poised to fill in for Courtois as he did last season.

Real Madrid began the defense of their Champions League title by beating Stuttgart 3-1 at home.

Included in Madrid’s squad was Kylian Mbappé, who missed the derby against Atletico because of a hamstring injury.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed – AFP)