Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is ready to return for the final stretch of the season after fully recovering from two knee injuries, Carlo Ancelotti has said.
Los Blancos coach Carlo Ancelotti said he would be wary of Courtois, who has not played this season after suffering a torn ACL in August and a torn meniscus in March.
Substitute Andriy Lunin will start Friday’s La Liga game at Real Sociedad and Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League semi-final, first leg at Bayern Munich.
However, Courtois should be back next week.
“I have to think carefully about how the squad moves forward. There has been a lot of attrition. Thibaut Courtois is fine, he will be available next week and could play against Cádiz,” Ancelotti told a press conference on Thursday.
Thibaut Courtois’ injury was expected to be a major blow to Madrid’s hopes this season, but Ukrainian Lunin has been able to spring a surprise, establishing himself as first choice ahead of former Chelsea goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga in the Belgian’s absence.
Lunin was Madrid’s penalty hero as they beat Manchester City to reach the Champions League semi-finals, twice salvaging their 4-3 shootout victory after an inspired performance to draw 1-1 in the quarter-finals.
However, 31-year-old Courtois is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers in the world and is likely to regain his starting place when he plays the LaLiga-Champions League double.
He was named man of the match in the 2022 UEFA Champions League final after producing a memorable performance to make nine saves to deny Liverpool as Madrid secured a record 14th European title with a 1-0 win in Paris.
Real Madrid are brimming with confidence after a 3-2 win over bitter rivals FC Barcelona on Sunday.
The La Liga leaders’ quest for a record-extending 36th Spanish title gained momentum as they moved 11 points clear of second-placed Barca with six games remaining.
Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo are doubts for Friday’s game due to illness and Ferland Mendy is still recovering from a leg injury, but Ancelotti said his team will go all out as they look to close in on the league title.
“With all the excitement in the world, the goal is very clear, we have seven points left to win the league. We have to get them as soon as possible,” Ancelotti said.
“Until the maths guarantees us the title, we have to fight. The pace is very good, we must continue to compete and make the most of it. Win as much as possible. The win is the best to keep the pace, that’s why we have to win tomorrow.”
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