Thibaut Courtois remains a doubt for Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, as injury concerns linger just 10 days before the first leg.
Thibaut Courtois remains a fitness doubt for Real Madrid as they prepare to travel to Arsenal in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-finals on April 8.
The Belgian goalkeeper is still not training with the group after returning from international duty with a muscle overload that sidelined him for Belgium’s recent match against Ukraine.
According to AS, Courtois trained individually again on Thursday and is not expected to feature in Saturday’s La Liga fixture against Leganés.
While the issue is described as minor, Real Madrid are taking a cautious approach given the demanding April schedule, which includes the double-header against Arsenal, a league clash with Athletic Club, trips to Alavés and Getafe, and a potential Copa del Rey final.
Andriy Lunin, linked with a move to Arsenal last summer, will deputise against Leganés and could remain in goal if Courtois is not deemed fully fit for their visit to the Emirates. Though Lunin has mostly featured in domestic cup competitions, he has gained increasing trust this season and could be set for one of the biggest nights of his career should Courtois miss out.
The rest of Real Madrid’s internationals, including Jude Bellingham, Kylian Mbappé, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Eduardo Camavinga, Brahim Díaz, David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger, and Arda Güler, all returned to training without issue.
However, Ferland Mendy and Dani Ceballos remain sidelined. Mendy is still midway through recovery, while Ceballos is targeting a potential return in time to face Arsenal.
Meanwhile, Mbappé, Rüdiger, Ceballos and Vinicius Jnr are all facing UEFA charges and could miss the Arsenal game through suspension.