Season over? Real Madrid stopper Thibaut Courtois undergoes surgery after suffering fresh knee injury nightmare days after return from ACL absence

The Belgium international had surgery to repair a torn meniscus, Madrid confirmed on Wednesday. The goalkeeper will begin the recovery process but is likely to be kept out of action for months due to the injury.

A statement from the club read: "Our player Thibaut Courtois underwent successful surgery today for a tear to the internal meniscus of his right knee, under the supervision of the Real Madrid Medical Services. Courtois will start his recovery programme in the next few days."

The news comes as another setback for the 31-year-old, who has not featured for Madrid so far this season after he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee in August and underwent an operation. The shot stopper was believed to be nearing a return to action, pencilled in for April, but suffered the latest injury during training.

Madrid will likely see out the rest of the season with current first-choice goalkeeper Andriy Lunin after the Ukrainian displaced Kepa Arrizabalaga, who joined on loan from Chelsea last year, in the starting XI in December.