Jose Mourinho has confirmed that the goalkeeper will be sidelined for the next few months
Jose Mourinho has revealed that Thibaut Courtois will be out of action for “quite a long time” – after the goalkeeper injured his knee in a training session.
The 23-year-old damaged his medial ligaments during a routine training session on Wednesday, with Mourinho confirming the extent of the injury in his pre-match press conference, ahead of Chelsea‘s visit to Everton on Saturday lunchtime.
Courtois has undergone surgery to his right-knee in Barcelona, and the Chelsea manager expects the shot-stopper to be out for “quite a long time.”
Chelsea are expected to confirm the the length of the injury on Friday, with the early signs showing that he will be out of action for around 10-12 weeks.
Mourinho Discusses Injury
Speaking on the matter, Mourinho said: “Courtois was injured in a training session and he will be out for quite a long time.”
“It is a big blow, it is not easy to have the best goalkeeper in the world injured.
“I cannot be more specific. I will wait for Dr [Paco] Biosca [Chelsea’s medical director] to more specific after the surgery. I just know he will be out for some time.
It was also confirmed that Asmir Begovic will replace Courtois in goal for the Premier League title holders, having previously deputised for him early in the season, after the former Atletico Madrid loanee was sent off in the opening day draw at home to Swansea City.
Begovic was brought to Stamford Bridge from Stoke City earlier this summer, and the Bosnian is set for an extended run in the Blues first-team.
“I’m very sad for Thibaut and the team but we have a top keeper and Begovic will be in goal.” the Portuguese-native continued.