Real Madrid have received a major boost ahead of their Champions League quarter-final clash against Arsenal, with goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois confirming he is “fully fit” and ready to return to action.
Injury Update: Courtois Set to Return for Champions League First Leg vs Arsenal
The Belgian shot-stopper has been sidelined since picking up a knock during the first leg of Belgium’s UEFA Nations League playoff against Ukraine.
His absence forced him to miss Madrid’s last three competitive matches, including Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at home to Valencia.
However, in a welcome development for Los Blancos, Courtois was included in the travelling squad for Tuesday night’s highly anticipated showdown at the Emirates Stadium.
The 32-year-old put any lingering fitness doubts to rest during Monday’s pre-match press conference.
“I am fully fit,” Courtois said.
“If I’m going to start or not, that’s the manager’s decision—but I feel good and ready to help the team.
It wasn’t a big issue, so I was able to keep training in the gym and maintain my routines. I’ve been back on the pitch for the last day or so and everything feels fine.”
Courtois also acknowledged past struggles earlier in the season but stressed that this time the medical team took no chances.
“I had some injuries at the beginning of the season and maybe I rushed back too soon.
This time, it was just a small niggle, and we made a smart decision to rest me over the weekend.”
While Courtois looks set for a potential return, Real Madrid will be without his regular backup Andriy Lunin, who is sidelined with a calf injury.
Lunin was on the bench against Valencia but wasn’t fit enough to feature. In his absence, 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez made his senior debut and is expected to serve as second-choice goalkeeper against Arsenal.
Sergio Mestre has also been added to the squad to complete the goalkeeping roster.
With Courtois back in the mix, Real Madrid will hope his presence can provide the defensive stability they’ll need against a high-flying Arsenal side in North London.
