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Why Is Thibaut Courtois Not Playing Tonight for Real Madrid vs. Atletico Madrid?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Emmanuel Mendez | Last updated Mar 22, 2026 2:28 PM ET

Real Madrid will host Atletico Madrid in the second Madrid Derby of this La Liga season. Real Madrid will look to win their fifth consecutive game across all competitions.

Real Madrid almost have a full sqaud as Kylian Mbappe returned from injury earlier this week against Manchester City in the Champions League, and Jude Bellingham returns to the sqaud for today's match.

Despite key players returning to the squad, Real Madrid lost Thibaut Courtois through injury. The Belgian goalkeeper has been one of Real Madrid's most important players and will miss the match against Atletico Madrid today.

Courtois played the first half against Manchester City earlier this week in the seocnd leg of the Champions League Round of 16 match.

Alvaro Arbeloa then took the Belgian goalkeeper off the pitch before the second half started and replaced him with Andriy Lunin, who will start today against Atletico Madrid.

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois saves a shot on goal from Rayan Cherki of Manchester City during the UEFA Champions League last 16 second leg match between Manchester City and Real Madrid at The City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester, United Kingdom, on March 17, 2026. (Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images)Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Courtois' injury did not seem serious at first, but new reports suggest that the Real Madrid keeper will be out for a while.

When Will Thibaut Courtois Return From Injury?

Reports from Diarios AS suggest that Thibaut Courtois has suffered a muscle injury in the anterior rectus of the right quadriceps.

Real Madrid's official statement read, "Following tests carried out today on our player Thibaut Courtois by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscular injury in the rectus femoris of his right quadriceps. Awaiting further evaluation."

Spain reports suggest that Courtois may be out for longer than a month, which would rule him out for the two legs of the Champions League quarterfinals against Bayern Munich in April.

Courtois' return could potentially be in late April or early May.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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