Courtois in tears as injury forces Belgium keeper off against Spain in World Cup quarter-final

Thibaut Courtois was reduced to tears after being substituted during Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final against Spain on Friday, with the Real Madrid goalkeeper appearing to pick up an injury that ended his involvement in the match.

Courtois, one of Belgium’s most influential players over the past decade, had been in goal for the Red Devils as they faced Spain in the last eight. The circumstances of his exit were not immediately confirmed, but the visible distress of the 31-year-old underlined the seriousness of the situation.

The incident adds to a difficult period for Courtois, who missed the entirety of the 2023-24 club season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament. His return to fitness had been closely monitored, and his presence in Belgium’s squad for this tournament was seen as a significant boost for Roberto Martínez’s side.

Further details on the nature of the injury and Belgium’s result against Spain are expected to follow as the story develops.