Real Madrid’s recent derby against Atletico Madrid ended in a frustrating 1-1 draw. The team appeared poised to secure a victory after Eder Militao’s goal, but Atletico Madrid’s Angel Correa found the back of the net deep into stoppage time, leveling the match and ensuring that both teams shared the points. However, the result wasn’t the only concern for Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti. Beyond the missed opportunity to win the derby, the game added more injury woes to the team, which has struggled with player fitness issues for years.
Ancelotti’s Real Madrid side has been battling a series of injuries for several seasons, often leaving them with a squad far from full strength. The injuries seem to strike at key moments, making it difficult for the team to maintain consistency across long campaigns. This time, the injury bug hit two of the team’s prominent figures—Thibaut Courtois and Fran Garcia—during the Madrid derby. Ancelotti confirmed the bad news during a press conference, stating that both players had picked up injuries. According to the coach, Fran Garcia sustained a nasty knock, while Courtois was dealing with a muscle problem. Courtois was set to undergo further evaluation to determine the severity of his injury.
This news is especially concerning for Real Madrid, given Courtois’ importance to the team. The Belgian goalkeeper spent the majority of the 2023/24 season sidelined with an injury, only managing to return to the pitch near the end of the campaign. His absence was felt throughout the season, as Real Madrid had to rely on their backup goalkeeper, Andriy Lunin, during crucial parts of the campaign. While Lunin performed admirably, the importance of having Courtois back in goal for a full season cannot be understated. For many fans and analysts, Courtois is regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and his presence between the sticks provides Real Madrid with a sense of security and leadership that few other keepers can match.
However, Courtois’ new injury raises fears that Real Madrid could once again be without their star goalkeeper for an extended period. While the details of his muscle problem are not yet clear, any injury to Courtois will be met with concern, given his injury history. The hope is that this issue is less serious than his previous one and that Courtois will be able to return to the team quickly.
On the other hand, Real Madrid can take some solace in the fact that they have a capable deputy in Lunin. The young Ukrainian goalkeeper was one of the standout performers last season when he stepped in for Courtois during the Belgian’s absence. Lunin’s performances helped Real Madrid secure both the La Liga and Champions League titles, showing that the club can still compete at the highest levels even without Courtois.
In what was a surprising turn of events, Lunin recently signed a long-term contract extension with Real Madrid, despite rumors that he would be leaving the club either during the summer transfer window or the next one. Lunin’s future at the club had been the subject of speculation, as he was initially set to run out his contract soon, and his role as a backup goalkeeper was not likely to change anytime in the near future. Courtois, after all, remains the undisputed first-choice goalkeeper when fully fit. However, the Ukrainian’s decision to extend his stay at the Santiago Bernabeu was a welcome surprise for the club and its fans. His performances last season earned him recognition across Europe as one of the best young goalkeepers, and Real Madrid now have a reliable option in goal should Courtois be sidelined again.
The news of Fran Garcia’s injury is also a blow to Real Madrid’s defense. The young left-back, who has been developing into a key player for the club, has impressed with his performances this season. Garcia’s energy, work rate, and ability to contribute both defensively and offensively have made him an important part of Ancelotti’s plans. Real Madrid’s depth in the full-back positions has been tested in recent seasons due to injuries, and Garcia’s injury comes at a time when the club is competing on multiple fronts, including La Liga and the UEFA Champions League.
With Garcia and Courtois potentially sidelined, Ancelotti will have to reshuffle his lineup once again, testing the depth of his squad. Injuries have been a recurring issue for Real Madrid, often derailing their campaigns just as momentum seemed to be building. The 2024/25 season has only just begun, and already the team is dealing with significant fitness concerns.
Real Madrid’s injury situation has frustrated fans, players, and coaches alike, as the team has rarely been able to field a full-strength squad. Over the years, Real Madrid have had to rely on their squad depth, which, while impressive, is no substitute for having their key players fit and available for selection. This season will be no different, as Ancelotti will need to manage his team carefully to ensure they remain competitive in all competitions.
Despite the injuries, Real Madrid will be confident that they can cope in the short term. Lunin’s presence as a backup goalkeeper offers reassurance, while the squad is deep enough to cover for Garcia’s absence at left-back. The team has experienced similar injury crises before and managed to navigate them successfully, but the challenge is to ensure that these issues don’t derail their long-term objectives.
The draw against Atletico Madrid, while disappointing, should not overshadow Real Madrid’s overall strong start to the season. Ancelotti’s men have been performing well in La Liga and will be looking to maintain that momentum as they balance their domestic campaign with their Champions League ambitions. However, injuries to key players like Courtois and Garcia add an extra layer of difficulty to the challenge. If Real Madrid can get their injured players back soon and avoid further setbacks, they will continue to be one of the favorites in both competitions.
