After battling through two serious knee injuries that sidelined him for a major part of the season, Thibaut Courtois made a triumphant return to the Real Madrid squad. With stellar performances against Granada and Alavés, including making 10 saves in his last game, Courtois proved his worth and received applause from fans at the Bernabéu. Sources close to the club have indicated that Courtois is in line to start in the upcoming Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund on June 1 at Wembley.
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has shown unwavering trust in Courtois, despite the goalkeeper’s injury woes. Ancelotti, who believes Courtois is the best goalkeeper in the world, has made it clear that if the Belgian shot-stopper is physically fit, there is no debate about him starting in the final. Even after the impressive 5-0 victory over Alavés, Ancelotti emphasized that each goalkeeper will get a chance to play in the remaining league matches. However, sources have revealed that Ancelotti came close to alienating Courtois after leaving him on the bench in the Champions League semifinal against Bayern Munich.
Courtois’ journey back to full fitness and form has been marked by resilience and determination. Suffering a ruptured ACL in his left knee followed by an injury to the meniscus in his right knee, Courtois faced numerous challenges on his road to recovery. Despite the setbacks, Courtois remained focused on returning to action this season and worked tirelessly to expedite his comeback. Ancelotti’s unwavering belief in Courtois as the club’s first-choice goalkeeper showcases the resilience and dedication the Belgian has displayed throughout his rehabilitation process.
While Courtois was on the sidelines, Andriy Lunin stepped up and delivered commendable performances for Real Madrid. The Ukrainian goalkeeper’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, with the club looking to extend his contract until 2029. Madrid’s imminent deal with Lunin reflects the appreciation for his efforts during Courtois’ absence and highlights the depth and quality in the goalkeeping department.
Thibaut Courtois’ journey from injury setbacks to a potential starting role in the Champions League final is a testament to his resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. With Ancelotti’s trust in his abilities and the club’s appreciation for his contributions, Courtois is poised to play a pivotal role in Real Madrid’s pursuit of European glory.
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