Thibaut Courtois Back in Real Madrid Training – Will He Be Ready for El Clásico?

Courtois Returns to Training

According to Главком: Real Madrid’s goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, has rejoined full team training after recovering from a long-term injury. The Belgian shot-stopper was sidelined for six weeks due to a strain in his inner thigh. His comeback comes just ahead of the highly anticipated El Clásico against Barcelona, scheduled for May 10. So far this season, Courtois has appeared in 41 matches across all competitions, conceding 39 goals and keeping 15 clean sheets.

During Courtois’ absence, Andriy Lunin stepped in as the starting goalkeeper, featuring in eight consecutive games in all tournaments. The Ukrainian managed only one clean sheet in that stretch, a 2-0 victory over Espanyol. Courtois remains committed to Real Madrid, with his current contract running until the summer of 2027.

More Real Madrid Updates

Beyond the goalkeeper news, Real Madrid defender Éder Militão will miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to surgery. A previous muscle injury scar has reopened, requiring an operation. In other developments, Carlos Queiroz has been appointed as the new head coach of the Ghana national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, replacing Otto Addo. Queiroz brings prior World Cup experience, having led both Portugal and Iran in previous tournaments.

Courtois’ return to training is a major boost for Real Madrid ahead of their crucial clash with Barcelona, as his experience and skill could be decisive in shaping the match’s outcome.

Meanwhile, Militão’s absence from the 2026 World Cup will be a significant loss for Brazil, given his substantial contributions to the squad. Queiroz’s appointment as Ghana’s coach could also shift the team’s dynamics, as his international experience may enhance their chances of success in the upcoming tournament.

As Real Madrid gears up for the crucial El Clásico, the team is also navigating the transfer market, with reports indicating that the club has set a €60 million valuation for Gonzalo García. This comes amidst Borussia Dortmund's interest, which falls significantly short at €30 million. Understanding the financial dynamics of player transfers is essential for fans looking to grasp the broader context of Real Madrid's strategy. To learn more about this situation, check out the latest updates on García's transfer status.