Courtois set to return after the FIFA break

The goalkeeper has made significant improvement on his groin injury and seems on track to return for the match against Celta.

Photo by Pedro Castillo/Real Madrid via Getty Images

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois is on track to make his return to the team’s starting lineup when Los Blancos visit Celta Vigo in the first game after the current FIFA break, club sources told Managing Madrid. The Belgian star suffered a groin injury during the past Madrid Derby against Atletico and was forced to miss the Champions League match in Lille and also the previous game against Villarreal.

Courtois hasn’t fully recovered just yet and soft-tissue injuries are always tricky, so there’s a chance Ancelotti takes a cautious approach and gives Courtois a few extra days to make sure that he’s 100% ready to face Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona.

Still, his presence in those two games, which could very well be crucial in the outcome of the 2024-25 season, is all but confirmed. Courtois’ return will increase Real Madrid’s chances of succeeding in this crucial stretch of the season.