Courtois injured, Real replaced by a 'giant' weighing 113kg?

Real Madrid is reportedly seeking a replacement for Thibaut Courtois, the goalkeeper facing a long-term absence because of injury.

Although Real Madrid has secured a spot in the Champions League quarter-finals, they still received unfortunate news regarding their goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffering an injury. The Belgian goalkeeper has been confirmed to have an issue with his right thigh's straight muscle, according to the club's announcement.

During his absence, Andriy Lunin is considered the primary replacement option and is likely to start in the match against Atletico Madrid. In fact, the Ukrainian star delivered a brilliant performance in the second leg of the Champions League round of 16 held at Etihad earlier this week.

According to journalist Melchor Ruiz, Courtois is expected to miss a series of crucial matches, including Atletico Madrid, RCD Mallorca, Bayern Munich (both Champions League quarter-final legs), Girona, Deportivo Alavés, and Real Betis.

In this context, coach Alvaro Arbeloa may place trust in Lunin, who has repeatedly proven his capability when taking on the role of first-choice goalkeeper with impressive displays. Additionally, Fran Gonzalez is also a backup option, as this young goalkeeper is showing outstanding form with Real Madrid Castilla.

Notably, Fran Gonzalez unexpectedly became a controversial topic on social media. Many circulating images show this goalkeeper having a rather heavy physique, weighing up to 113kg, leading many fans to doubt his ability to replace in the goal. However, this information is completely inaccurate.

In reality, Gonzalez is 1.99m tall and weighs around 92kg, a physique considered ideal for a professional goalkeeper. This is also somewhat demonstrated through the 20-year-old goalkeeper's warm-up before the Champions League round of 16 second leg at Etihad.

In the context of Courtois' injury, Real Madrid still has reasons to be optimistic about the upcoming matches. Not only has Kylian Mbappe recovered, but the Royal club could also welcome the return of Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, Raul Asencio, and Eder Militao ahead of the clash with Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals.

These additions promise to help coach Alvaro Arbeloa strengthen the midfield, a key factor in competing with the German representative. Simultaneously, the return of Militao and Asencio also provides the necessary solidity for the defense, given the team hasn't achieved stability with the duo Dean Huijsen and Antonio Rudiger.