Courtois 'out for a long time' after knee surgery, confirms Mourinho

The Belgium goalkeeper is set for a lengthy spell on
the sidelines after being hurt in training, with Asmir Begovic set to
return to the team as his replacement

Jose Mourinho has confirmed Chelsea goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will require knee surgery and believes the goalkeeper with be out “for quite a long time”.


The Belgium international was hurt during a training session and will
be replaced by new signing Asmir Begovic, who featured in two games
earlier this season when Courtois was sent off and subsequently
suspended.

Mourinho could not confirm the exact length of time
Courtois is expected to spend on the sidelines, with the final verdict
of the club's medical staff still pending.

 

“Courtois was injured in a training session with the goalkeepers. I
cannot tell you much, but he needs surgery in his right knee, he will be
out for quite a long time, but I cannot be specific as to how long he
will be out,” said the Chelsea boss.

Mourinho admitted losing
his first-choice goalkeeper was a blow but insists Begovic, who was
signed this summer to replace Arsenal-bound Petr Cech, is a capable
deputy.

“It's not easy to have the best goalkeeper injured, but
it's easy to have one of the best to play, and we have Begovic,” he
added.

“We have a top goalkeeper and Begovic will play.”