Real Madrid have issued a significant update ahead of their looming Champions League encounter with Arsenal, confirming that their first-choice goalkeeper, Thibaut Courtois, is set to make his return from injury. The Belgian shot-stopper has been included in the squad travelling to The Emirates for the highly-anticipated Tuesday night fixture, adding another layer of challenge for the Gunners.
Courtois, who had been sidelined for the past three matches at the Bernabéu due to a calf issue exacerbated by a knee cyst, seems poised for a comeback. With second-choice Andriy Lunin still unavailable, owing to a niggling injury, Real Madrid may well have had to bank on 19-year-old Fran Gonzales, who featured in their 2-1 defeat against Valencia.
However, after rejoining training on Sunday, Courtois appears ready to fortify the Madrid goal. Yet, it remains too soon a return for Lunin. Discussing his goalkeeping conundrum, manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed optimism: “Courtois is doing better, we think he can make Tuesday. We have doubts about Lunin, who will have a test today and who has a slight discomfort. If he’s not well, we have total confidence in Fran.”
Ancelotti’s side is still missing several key players, which could offer Arteta’s Arsenal an opening. Aurelien Tchouameni faces suspension, Eder Militao is out with a knee injury, while former Gunner Dani Ceballos and Ferland Mendy are both recovering from injuries and have been advised to rest.
This comes as a relief for Arsenal fans, yet Mikel Arteta faces his own squad dilemmas. The Gunners will be without an established striker due to injuries to Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus, and a defensive reshuffle is required following Gabriel Magalhaes’ season-ending hamstring injury.
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