Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois undergoes knee surgery

The 31-year-old was nearing a return to action, having been sidelined since June last year. However, the Belgian suffered a recurrence of the injury in training last Tuesday.

He will now only be back in action next season with Ukrainian shot-stopper Andrey Lunin set to continue deputising for Courtois.

"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," read a statement on the club's official website.

"Courtois will start his recovery programme in the next few days."