Real Madrid fans can rejoice as superstar Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is all set for a comeback in the season’s final stretch. The Belgian Wall missed significant time during the season because of multiple knee injuries.
Carlo Ancelotti to be cautious with Courtois
Even though Courtois has made a full recovery, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti is going to be cautious with the lanky Belgian. “I have to think carefully about the lineup moving forward. There has been a lot of wear and tear. Courtois is fine, he will be available next week and could play against Cadiz,” Ancelotti said during a press conference.
Thibaut Courtois has missed all of the 2023-24 season so far
Courtois, who was the star of Real Madrid’s Champions League triumph during the 2021-22 season, suffered an ACL tear in August 2023. After recovering from it, Courtois sustained a torn meniscus in March 2024.
Stand-in goalkeeper Andriy Lunin has been a revelation
Courtois’ injury was a big blow for Real Madrid. But stand-in keeper Andriy Lunin has done an outstanding job. Real Madrid are leading the Spanish League and through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League. Lunin’s incredible performance during the penalty shootout against Manchester City was a big reason behind Madrid’s march into the semis. Lunin made two key saves during the shootout, helping Real Madrid to a 4-3 win after the teams were tied 4-4 at the end of regulation.
Thibaut Courtois is a valuable part of Real Madrid
The 31-year-old Belgian is inarguably among the world’s best goalkeepers. So he is expected to regain his spot in Madrid’s starting lineup despite Lunin’s stellar performance throughout the season. Let’s not forget his heroic 2022 Champions League Final performance where he made nine saves to help Real Madrid to a 1-0 triumph. Courtois’ heroics helped Real Madrid win an unprecedented 14th Champions League title.
Real Madrid have all but won the 2023-24 La Liga Title
Real Madrid enjoyed a spectacular 3-2 win in the famed El Clasico against Barcelona last week. The win left Madrid 11 points clear on top of the standings. With just six games to go, the win has all but sealed a historic 36th La Liga title for Los Meringues. The club’s main focus is on the looming UCL semi-final tie against German giants Bayern Munich. The return of Thibaut Courtois in the lineup is bound to bolster their chances of making yet another Champions League final.