Real Madrid raised alarms on Monday after confirming that Thibaut Courtois has once again been forced to interrupt his season due to a muscular injury. The Belgian goalkeeper, who was only beginning to regain rhythm after his long recovery from a torn ACL, is sidelined again and will not participate in Belgium’s final matches on the road to the 2026 World Cup.

According to the club’s medical report, an MRI revealed an injury to the long adductor muscle in his right leg. Belgium will be without him for key qualifiers against Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein, two decisive fixtures in the closing stage of the campaign.

Why Does This Setback Worry Ancelotti?

Club sources told EFE that Courtois is expected to miss around twelve days, assuming his recovery goes as planned. The objective is to have him ready for the return of club competition — ideally for the November 23 match against Elche.

The concern within Real Madrid is understandable. Courtois had just begun to find continuity after months on the sidelines, and this latest issue forces him to restart a careful workload process. For a player returning from a major ligament injury, every setback is taken seriously.

Fede Valverde Adds Another Problem to the List

Courtois isn’t the only injury concern. Following the 0-0 draw in Vallecas against Rayo Vallecano, Fede Valverde also underwent medical tests that confirmed a semimembranosus injury in his right leg.

The Uruguayan has been ruled out of his national team’s squad and is expected to recover in roughly ten days, provided there are no setbacks.
Valverde is essential to Xabi Alonso’s midfield structure, and his absence arrives at a demanding stretch of the calendar for the LaLiga leaders.

A Difficult International Break for LaLiga’s Leader

Real Madrid enters this FIFA window with a clear objective: prevent injuries from derailing the strong momentum the team has built. Courtois and Valverde add to a list of players carrying heavy workloads after an intense run of fixtures.

Belgium, meanwhile, must also adapt. Losing Courtois — even briefly — disrupts their stability as they look to seal qualification for the World Cup.