Already in December, Thibaut Courtois announced that due to his injury, he would not join Belgium for the Euros, but nearly a month and a half before the first group match, the Belgian goalkeeper could make his return between the posts for Real Madrid. This was confirmed by coach Carlo Ancelotti on Thursday afternoon.
The ongoing saga of Thibaut Courtois's injury and subsequent rehabilitation has been a key storyline for Real Madrid this season.
The initial knee injury early in the season was a significant setback, compounded by a re-injury just as he was nearing a return to full fitness. This series of unfortunate events has kept Courtois sidelined for a considerable portion of the season, raising concerns about his readiness for the intense demands of both club and international competitions.
Carlo Ancelotti, in his recent press conference, expressed optimism about Courtois's recovery, noting that the goalkeeper could make his return against Cádiz in early May. If Courtois manages to return to the pitch as planned, he will have a tight schedule to regain match fitness before the end of the season. The potential for him to participate in up to seven matches, including crucial fixtures such as a possible Champions League final, will be vital for testing his readiness and rebuilding his confidence after a long layoff.
For the Belgian national team, Courtois's situation is just as pivotal. The team is set to regroup in June for pre-tournament friendlies against Montenegro and Luxembourg, which will serve as the final tune-ups before the Euros. Belgium’s campaign in the tournament is keenly anticipated, with matches against Slovakia, Ukraine, and Romania in the group stage. Courtois's experience and skill as a goalkeeper are deemed crucial for Belgium's aspirations in the tournament.
However, Courtois's participation in the Euros is shadowed by unresolved issues with the national team's coach, Domenico Tedesco. The dispute last June over the captaincy and subsequent media altercations have not yet been formally addressed due to Courtois's injury, leaving a cloud of uncertainty over their professional relationship. This unresolved conflict could impact team dynamics and Courtois's role within the squad.
As the situation unfolds, both Real Madrid and the Belgian national team are keenly aware of the importance of Courtois's health and mindset. His potential return to competitive play in May is not just crucial for his club’s ambitions but also for addressing the lingering issues with the national team before the Euros. The coming weeks will be critical in determining how these challenges are managed and will likely have significant implications for Courtois's career trajectory over the next few months.
