Thibaut Courtois’s recent injury during a Champions League match between City and Real has sparked concerns about his fitness. Real Madrid issued a medical update stating Courtois has a rectus femoris injury in his right quadriceps. Spanish media reports estimate he will be sidelined for 6 to 8 weeks.
Top kinesiologist Lieven Maesschalck, who has worked with the Rode Duivels for years and is a consultant with Real Madrid, shared his assessment of the injury.
Maesschalck’s Perspective on Courtois’s Injury
Lieven Maesschalck is currently in Belgium and has not yet seen medical imaging of the injury. However, he addressed several questions about Courtois’s condition.
Maesschalck stated that whether the World Cup is a concern depends on the severity of the strain or the injury itself. He explained that several factors influence recovery time. These include whether the injury is to the muscle alone, the tendon-muscle junction, or the tendon itself.
The size of the tear also affects the recovery timeline. The medical staff has made an assessment and provided a quotation, using that to estimate a timeframe.
Regarding Courtois’s World Cup availability, Maesschalck said, “If that is 6 to 8 weeks, you still have enough time to get back in shape for the World Cup. So I’m really not worried about that for the time being.”
The Importance of the Rectus Femoris
Maesschalck explained the role of the rectus femoris muscle. He noted that it is crucial for kicking and specifically for goalkeepers, for kicking the ball out. The muscle is put under strain when kicking. It is also used when accelerating.
Goalkeepers also do a lot of jumps. The quadriceps as a whole plays a part in jumps.
Courtois’s goalkeeping style also plays a role. Maesschalck noted Courtois’s incredible range and flexibility, often seen in wide stances with one leg behind. In certain situations, this puts the muscle under extreme strain.
The muscle is heavily used when kicking the ball out, but also during extreme movements. Therefore, it must be in good condition for Courtois to play.
Risk Assessment and Courtois’s Experience
Maesschalck addressed the risk of playing with discomfort. He said that if all players who felt something stopped playing, they would not play much. The club always performs a risk assessment.
There is always a risk of injury, especially in the Champions League. In this case, it happened, but nothing might have happened.
Courtois is an experienced player who knows his body well. He knows what is possible for him.
Collaboration with Real Madrid’s Doctor
Maesschalck said that the question of his involvement needs to be discussed. He and the doctor at Real Madrid know each other very well. Each case is considered individually. Maesschalck is very familiar with Courtois’s qualities.
Courtois always stays in Madrid, he does not come to Antwerp.
The World Cup is scheduled to take place from 11 June to 19 July in the USA, Mexico and Canada. The Rode Duivels will play their first match on 15 June against Egypt.