Real Madrid were dealt a huge blow as goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois picked up a long-term injury before the start of this season.
The 31-year-old is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, and has been a crucial part of Real Madrid’s recent success.
Los Blancos then recruited Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea on loan to cover for the injury, but original second choice Andriy Lunin overtook the Spaniard in the pecking order under Carlo Ancelotti, and he has been impressive since.
Courtois has been ruled out of the European Championships this summer, but it has now emerged that he could end up playing before the end of this season.
Thibaut Courtois could play for Real Madrid this week
Journalist Mario Cortegana has now revealed in The Athletic that Real Madrid plan to start Thibaut Courtois against Cadiz on Saturday.
If Real Madrid win, and Barcelona fail to beat Girona, they will be crowned Champions, and Courtois will be on the pitch to celebrate.
“Everyone at Valdebebas expects Courtois to return as Madrid’s first-choice ‘keeper once he is fully recovered,” the report stated.
“He could play in Madrid’s potentially decisive La Liga game against Cadiz on Saturday, although a final choice will be made today or tomorrow.”
Should Thibaut Courtois replace Andriy Lunin for the rest of this season?
If Courtois is fit to return, then playing him against Cadiz would be a good way to welcome him back, but he should still be eased in with caution.
Real Madrid will then face Bayern Munich at the Santiago Bernabeu next week in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals, and Lunin should keep his spot as a fully-fit goalkeeper in good form.
If Real do make it to the final, a decision will have to be made over the goalkeeper nearer the time based upon how Courtois performs if he returns in La Liga, but given the way in which Lunin has performed in his absence, the Ukranian should keep his spot for now, and Courtois can afford pre-season to recover in the best possible way for next year.
