Real Madrid could count on Courtois following injury recovery | OneFootball

Thibaut Courtois has not played a single minute of official football for Real Madrid this season, as the Belgium goalkeeper suffered an ACL injury in pre-season before a meniscus issue in April ruled him out of action for an additional duration.

Courtois was agonisingly close to making his return to action and was touted to be available from the Champions League quarter-final, but it was not to be following a fitness relapse.

Sources have informed Madrid Universal that the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea shot-stopper is set to be available when Real Madrid play against Cadiz in the upcoming weekend’s La Liga round.

Ancelotti announced that the player could make his much-awaited return against the Andalusians and having started to train with the rest of his teammates, Courtois is expected to feature on Saturday.

The player, on his part, was calm when asked about returning to action while also instilling in confidence in Andriy Lunin, who is executing his role flawlessly.

Lunin could find himself on the awkward end if Courtois finishes this season for Madrid

Lunin has been phenomenal for Real Madrid this season and is set to renew his contract until 2028 with only an official announcement pending.

The Ukrainian international has helped the Whites maintain the best defensive record in La Liga and has proven instrumental in their Champions League knockout matches too.

Against RB Leipzig, he was the man of the match with nine saves in the first leg and then made several saves, including two penalties in the shootout as Los Blancos reached the semi-final of the competition at the expense of Manchester City.

Lunin has been on phenomenal form for Real Madrid lately. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

Lunin would rightly feel hard done by Ancelotti if Courtois, who is just returning from injury, finishes the season as the manager’s primary choice despite all the good work he has done.

Courtois is already discounted from the Belgian Euro 2024 squad by Domenico Tedesco and must not be risked by Real Madrid after he has undergone two surgeries in less than a year.

He is perhaps the best goalkeeper in the world nevertheless, and it remains to be seen where Ancelotti’s preference lies if Real Madrid make the Champions League final keeping in mind that Courtois was the MVP in the 2022 edition.