What was he suffering from?
Victim of a torn cruciate ligament last August, Thibaut Courtois was already very close to a return at the end of March. But a bad movement and a crack during training on March 19 turned everything upside down: torn meniscus in his right knee, surgery and six to seven weeks of absence. “It’s just a small setback that will make me come back much stronger”, the Belgian immediately reacted which could therefore mark his real return on May 4 in Cadiz. Or six weeks later: the initially planned timing.
Thibaut Courtois has returned to training at Real Madrid
Is this a risk?
Not for his already well consolidated cruciate ligament. For the meniscus, it's a little different. The operation, which consists of suturing the articular disc, allows healing which is generally optimized with six weeks of rest and rehabilitation. However, even if consolidation is successful, the meniscus remains slightly less strong than before.
The risks of recurrence – linked to knee rotations – are nevertheless reduced when playing as a goalkeeper. Courtois has in any case decided to move forward without forcing, without putting pressure on himself. He was also much more discreet on social networks by publishing very few images of his rehabilitation, unlike the previous phase after his cruciate ligament tear.
What form will it be in?
The work carried out in recent months has not been in vain despite this setback. Physically and technically, Courtois will be ready as soon as he returns to the Madrid group. A goalkeeper also needs less time to get back into competitive rhythm. However, he will need a few more weeks to return, through a series of meetings and interventions, to the level he was at before his injury. It is for this reason that Carlo Ancelotti will integrate him little by little, with the aim of preparing him for next season.
Will he play in C1?
If he plays against Cadiz, the debate will inevitably open for the Champions League. His understudy Andriy Lunin will remain the starter for the two semi-finals against Bayern Munich, but the question will arise in the event of the final. By June 1, Courtois – who is on the list of players registered for the C1 – could have three to four weeks of competition behind him. It remains to be seen how Ancelotti will manage this dilemma knowing that he also promised Kepa to offer him playing time in the league.
And the Euro?
Nothing will change. Even if Domenico Tedesco's list will not be given until May 28, Thibaut Courtois will not go to the Euro. The player still disagrees with the coach.
