Ancelotti confirms Courtois is out but Bale in the squad for Elche | OneFootball

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois will miss Thursday’s Copa del Rey clash with Elche.

In-form Courtois saved a penalty as Madrid beat Athletic Club in Sunday’s Supercopa de España final.

But the Belgian is out for the trip to Elche, with Andriy Lunin likely to deputise for him.

“Courtois has had a problem today and will not play tomorrow,” Ancelotti told a press conference on Wednesday.

“Courtois, Asensio, Mariano, Vallejo and Carvajal are all unavailable tomorrow. All the other players are ready to play.

“Courtois’ problem is not serious but I can’t say what he has because of the privacy. I think he will be back for La Liga game on Sunday.”

Here’s what else the Blancos boss had to say …

On Paco Gento

“Before starting the press conference I want to say that our legend Paco Gento will stay with us in our hearts forever.”

On Hazard and Bale

“Hazard? Nothing happened. There’s competition among the players and I choose the best to play. He has to wait.

“Gareth Bale is ready and will be in the squad for tomorrow’s game.

“Hazard and Bale have had many problems.. Bale has just returned and Hazard is feeling good now.

“Bale and Hazard’s qualities can help us a lot. Hopefully they will be useful in this second part of the season.

“If Hazard has to have another surgery? I don’t know anything about this, Hazard has not talked to our doctor about this.”

On Vinicíus Jr

“Vinicius will not play only when he’s tired or injured. And right now he’s not tired.”