Courtois is set to return for the Clásico on May 10 at the Camp Nou. If there are no setbacks in the 13 days remaining before Madrid visit Barcelona, the goalkeeper’s plan is to be back between the posts against the Blaugrana. Courtois’ recovery is entering its final phase, and he will soon begin to gradually rejoin team training. With almost everything decided, no risks will be taken, but there is enough time ahead of the Clásico to meet the established timelines.
Courtois was injured while Madrid were still fighting for LaLiga and the Champions League, and by the time he returns, the team has already been eliminated from Europe and has all but said goodbye to the league title. Courtois’ absence has been one of the many blows Madrid have suffered this season due to injuries. The team has felt the absence of the Belgian goalkeeper deeply at the most decisive moment of the campaign, and his injury is one of the reasons why Madrid have already been ruled out of winning any silverware this season.
Three defeats, two draws, and just two wins
Without Courtois in goal, the team has collapsed. The results reflect the reality Madrid lived with during a season in which the goalkeeper had been decisive with his saves, holding the team together in its toughest moments.
The keeper was injured in the first half of the second leg against City on March 17, and since then Madrid’s record has been three defeats, two draws, and just two wins in the seven matches the Belgian has missed.
Courtois, who has been in “best goalkeeper in the world mode” all season long, was match after match the protagonist thanks to spectacular saves that helped the team grind out results. Without him, the side has looked more vulnerable. Now the goal is to have him fit again for the Clásico.