Real Madrid fans have received a huge boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Arsenal, as Thibaut Courtois returns to the squad.
The Belgian goalkeeper missed the past three games due to a calf issue, reportedly caused by a cyst behind his knee.
According to Evening Standard, Andriy Lunin had stepped in for Courtois, but Lunin could not play in Saturday’s loss to Valencia due to his own injury concerns.
With Lunin unavailable, Real Madrid played 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez in goal, leading to a 2-1 defeat to Valencia.
Now, Courtois has made the cut for the squad’s trip to London, where they will face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final.
Courtois participated in Sunday’s training session in Spain, confirming that he is ready to rejoin the squad.
However, Carlo Ancelotti will still miss several key players, including Aurelien Tchouameni, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Dani Ceballos, and Ferland Mendy.
Tchouameni cannot play due to suspension, while Carvajal and Militao remain sidelined with knee injuries.
Ceballos, a former Arsenal player, trained indoors on Sunday and joined the squad for part of the session. Mendy only worked away from the team.
Despite the absences, the focus now shifts to Courtois’ return and how it could impact Madrid’s chances against Arsenal.
UEFA recently investigated several Real Madrid players, including Ceballos, following celebrations after their victory over Atletico Madrid. Though no bans were issued, UEFA fined Ceballos.
