Courtois injury likely to rule him out of Belgium's World Cup qualifiers

Thibaut Courtois, goalkeeper for Belgium and Real Madrid, is expected to miss their World Cup qualifying matches against Kazakhstan and Liechtenstein following a leg muscle strain sustained while playing for his club, according to the Spanish team on Monday.

The 33 year old incurred an adductor injury in Madrid's 0-0 league draw away to Rayo Vallecano on Sunday.

Real Madrid provided no details on how long the keeper will be absent, but reports from Spanish media indicate a recovery period of 10 to 12 days.

As a result, Courtois may return in time for their La Liga fixture versus Elche on 23 November.

Belgium can secure qualification for next year's World Cup with a win in Kazakhstan on Saturday.

Their Group J schedule concludes three days later with a game against Liechtenstein.