In Real Madrid’s match against Rayo Vallecano, Carlo Ancelotti rotated his squad with a view to Wednesday’s Champions League match against Atlético de Madrid, but also due to some injuries. Without a doubt, one of the surprises in the starting eleven was the absence of Thibaut Courtois, who is still suffering from discomfort in the patellar tendon of his right leg.
Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach, revealed that the absence of Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was due to “a small problem” and not to rotation, but he assured that he will be in good condition to play on Wednesday against Atlético de Madrid in the Champions League. Ancelotti confirmed that Dani Carvajal, Éder Militao, Jesús Vallejo and Dani Ceballos will be unavailable for the next game, all out with injuries. In principle, the rest will be fit and ready in time.
With his presence in the derby practically guaranteed, Courtois is in the news for another reason. As has become known in the last few hours, Real Madrid are thinking of offering Thibaut Courtois an extension of his contract, which ends in June of next year, for two more seasons, until June 2028 when the Belgian goalkeeper will be 36 years old.
This was revealed by Eduardo Inda on El Chiringuito de Jugones: “I’m told that Real Madrid will extend the contract of the best goalkeeper in the world at the end of the season. It ends in 2026 and they want to extend it to 2028. He’s number one”.
And the fact is that Thibaut Courtois is one of the standard bearers of the Real Madrid squad. The Belgian had a difficult year with injuries, but returned in time to win the league and the Champions League last season. Although in his absence, and this very Sunday against Rayo, as well as in the Copa, Lunin is doing a great job, the presence of the Belgian goalkeeper on the pitch gives the Whites security, so it is important to have him. With this offer made by the Ok Diario journalist, Real Madrid would break the unwritten rule of renewing year after year. From the age of thirty, with Courtois, the club is willing to make an exception.
Courtois and his return to Belgium
In addition to his discomfort and the renewal, Courtois has made the news for his return to Belgium. Thibaut Courtois is “ready to return” to Belgium. The relationship between the Real Madrid goalkeeper and his national team has not been at its best in recent times. The player refused to be called up by his national team after Domenico Tedesco’s ‘ugly’ remark. The goalkeeper said that as long as he was in charge, he would not go with the national team. Without that obstacle on the horizon, the way is paved for his return, which will have consequences.
The starting goalkeeper for Euro 2024, Koen Casteels, has announced his decision to leave the Red Devils due to the more than likely return of Thibaut Courtois. The Al-Qadisya goalkeeper believes that there is favorable treatment of the Real Madrid player and is not willing to overlook it.