Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois could return from an ACL injury before the end of the season, according to a report.
Courtois tore his ACL in training shortly prior to the start of the 2023/24 campaign, with the injury threatening to derail their season before it had even began.
Los Blancos quickly looked to the transfer market for cover and brought in Kepa Arrizabalaga on loan from Chelsea, but a series of unconvincing performances and injury issues of his have seen him split game time with Ukraine international Andriy Lunin. Madrid are now said to be reluctant to make Kepa’s move to the Santiago Bernabeu permanent due to his form and asking price.
Courtois was initially expected to miss the entire season and he ruled himself out of Euro 2024 contention with Belgium in order to focus on his recovery, but he could return to action much sooner than expected.
COPE report if Courtois continues his recovery at his current pace, he could be available for selection again at the start of April, potentially returning for Madrid’s final eight games of their La Liga campaign plus the latter stages of the Champions League if they are still in the competition. However, Madrid will not rush him back if they feel he needs a longer period of rest and recuperation.
Courtois has returned to individual training on grass at Madrid’s Valdebebas base, with the 31-year-old posting a video of him going through his paces on social media at the weekend.
In Courtois’ absence, Madrid have scooped another piece of silverware, winning the Supercopa de Espana with victories over neighbours Atletico and Clasico rivals Barcelona.
However, they were knocked out of the Copa del Rey at the quarter-final stages by Atletico recently, while they sit a point behind surprise leaders Girona in La Liga though have played one match fewer.
Courtois is one of three Madrid players recovering from an ACL injury, with centre-backs Eder Militao and David Alaba also on the treatment table. Like Courtois, Militao is expected to make a return this season.
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