Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was forced off with a hamstring injury during Belgium's World Cup quarterfinal defeat to Spain, raising fresh concerns for both club and country.
Courtois had been one of Belgium's standout performers at SoFi Stadium, producing several important saves to keep his side in the contest before his night came to a premature end in the 72nd minute. The Madrid shot-stopper left the pitch visibly emotional after attempting to play through the injury.
The problem first emerged just after the hour mark when Courtois went down following a routine play. After receiving treatment during a hydration break, he initially signaled that he was able to continue. However, only a few minutes later, the discomfort worsened, forcing Belgium to replace him with Senne Lammens.
Speaking after the match, Courtois explained how the injury developed.
"It was a bit of a pain, but oh well. On a long ball, I felt something, I thought my hamstring was tight because I'd played 30 long ******* . I felt it a little on some saves, and on another long ball, I felt it getting worse. I sat down for a moment so the doctor could check it out, and I wanted to keep playing, but I couldn't hit the ball, and the manager told me that if I wasn't 100%, he'd substitute me. I said I felt bad, that I couldn't play long ******* , but I wanted to continue to see how it went. If I didn't have to play long ******* , I could continue, but it's fine. If the manager wants someone who's 100%, it's no big deal."
Courtois had been one of Belgium's standout performers at SoFi Stadium, producing several important saves to keep his side in the contest before his night came to a premature end in the 72nd minute. The Madrid shot-stopper left the pitch visibly emotional after attempting to play through the injury.
The problem first emerged just after the hour mark when Courtois went down following a routine play. After receiving treatment during a hydration break, he initially signaled that he was able to continue. However, only a few minutes later, the discomfort worsened, forcing Belgium to replace him with Senne Lammens.
Speaking after the match, Courtois explained how the injury developed.
"It was a bit of a pain, but oh well. On a long ball, I felt something, I thought my hamstring was tight because I'd played 30 long ******* . I felt it a little on some saves, and on another long ball, I felt it getting worse. I sat down for a moment so the doctor could check it out, and I wanted to keep playing, but I couldn't hit the ball, and the manager told me that if I wasn't 100%, he'd substitute me. I said I felt bad, that I couldn't play long ******* , but I wanted to continue to see how it went. If I didn't have to play long ******* , I could continue, but it's fine. If the manager wants someone who's 100%, it's no big deal."
21 days ago
