Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is a doubt for this weekend’s clash against Atlético Madrid after picking up a groin injury.
The Belgian shot-stopper sustained the issue during the warm-up ahead of Madrid’s UEFA Champions League Round of 16 second-leg tie against Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
Courtois eventually started the game, but had to be taken off at half-time as Lunin was given the charge to continue the game for the final 45 minutes.
Should Courtois fail to recover in time, backup goalkeeper Andriy Lunin is expected to step in for the crucial La Liga encounter, as reported by Managing Madrid.
The fixture could prove decisive in the title race, with Real Madrid currently chasing Barcelona, who hold a four-point lead at the top of the table.
Despite the setback, early indications suggest the injury is not serious. Courtois is expected to recover in time for Madrid’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final clash against Bayern Munich, scheduled to begin on April 7.
For now, Alvaro Arbeloa’s side will be hoping their number one can return quickly as they prepare for a crucial run of fixtures across both domestic and European competitions.
Los Blancos are currently second on the La Liga table, four points behind League leaders Barcelona with eight league games left to play.
Atletico are third, 13 points behind Barcelona and nine behind Real Madrid. While it is too late to mount a title charge, a dramatic turn is something Diego Simeone’s men are known for.
