adminLONDON. – Chelsea’s troubled start to their English Premier League soccer title defence suffered a fresh blow yesterday when it emerged that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois required knee surgery.
Sources close to the player who has a torn meniscus in his right knee expect the Belgian star to be sidelined for between 10 and 12 weeks. Courtois returned from international duty after playing in Belgium’s 1-0 win over Cyprus last Sunday, only to suffer the injury on Wednesday.
“Everybody came back well from the national teams but Courtois was injured in a training session and I cannot tell you much but I can tell you he needs surgery in his right knee and as a consequence he will be out for quite a long time,” manager Jose Mourinho said.
“I cannot be more specific about the injury and the time he will be out. “I just know he will be out for some time.”
Mourinho, however, expressed full faith in £8 million signing Asmir Begovic to replace him. – AFP
Online Reporter