Ancelotti confident Courtois will face Arsenal, Valencia comes too soon

Thibaut Courtois will be fit for Real Madrid's Champions League Quarterfinal First-Leg collision against Arsenal next week, but will not play in LaLiga this weekend.

That was the update of Madrid -Baas Carlo Ancelotti prior to the welcome of Valencia in the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu this Saturday.

Courtois fought several injuries during the campaign, but missed the last two games for Los Blancos, with Andriy Lunin located between the sticks.

The Belgium International has held eight clean sheets in LaLiga this season, a totally only improved by Real Sociedad's Alex Remiro and Jan Oblak from Atletico Madrid (both 12).

And while the clash this weekend against the 15th Valencia placed too fast for Courtois, Ancelotti is convinced that his keeper is ready to see the side of Mikel Arteta.

“There is no worries. Courtois is much better, we believe that he can come on Tuesday,” Ancelotti told reporters on Friday.

In anticipation of Arsenal, Madrid was also encouraged by the news that Kylian Mbappe and Antonio Rudiger would be available on Tuesday for the trip to the Emirates Stadium.

The couple was banned from one of the competition, suspended for a year and a fine after their parties after beating Atletico from the Champions League on penalties.

The players of Madrid celebrated for the Atletico fans and made gestures to those who were recorded by video images. Dani Ceballos and Vinicius Junior were also fined.

pic.twitter.com/vmlmazaejc

– Real Madrid CF (@Realmadriden) 3 April 2025

But recurring to view their upcoming LaLiga collision, Ancelotti said that Lunin could also be absent in the fixture, with a calf -spark crack in the midweek.

With both Courtois and Lunin sidelined, it is likely that the 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez, who will appear a first team for Madrid, will be in goal against Valencia.

“We doubt about Lunin, which will be tested today,” Ancelotti added.

“He (Gonzalez) is a big keeper; his only problem is that he is young,” said Ancelotti.

“If his time comes tomorrow, we will be very happy for him, because we are all convinced that he has a big future. No worries from our side,” said Ancelotti.

Real is still contrary to a treble, chasing Laliga leaders Barcelona with three points and they go to the Copa del Rey final at the end of the month.

“We are doing well. Of course, with some doubts because of the efforts of extra time (against Real Sociedad). But the team is motivated,” said Ancelotti.

“We must be optimistic and believe that we can do it. We are very close to every competition, and we are confident.”

Comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *