Real Madrid News
Courtois eases injury concerns ahead of Real Madrid return: ‘Don’t feel any discomfort anymore’
Thibaut Courtois has confirmed that the injury which forced him off during the FIFA World Cup is now behind him, insisting he will return to Real Madrid fully fit later this week.
The veteran goalkeeper suffered the thigh injury while playing for Belgium in the World Cup quarter-final against Spain, raising concerns over his availability for the start of the season.
Fears eased
However, Courtois has now confirmed that his recovery is going well and that the injury was never a major concern.
“I don’t feel any discomfort anymore,” he told HLN (h/t AS) during his vacation.
“Anyway, it was rather a minor injury; even during the match I felt it wasn’t anything serious.
He is expected back at Valdebebas by the end of the week and has no concerns about his fitness.
“Some are still talking about two or three weeks… but as soon as I have to train again, I’ll be ready,” Courtois reassured.
With those comments, Courtois made it clear that he has fully recovered.
Injury sustained during the World Cup
The issue first arose on 10 July during Belgium’s World Cup quarter-final against Spain. Courtois experienced significant pain in his left quadriceps and went to ground.
The Real Madrid veterean reassured the medical staff that he believed he could continue if they helped him with long goal kicks, as the discomfort mainly affected his ability to strike the ball over long distances rather than his jumping or shot-stopping.
However, head coach Rudi Garcia decided to replace him.
Senne Lammens came on in goal, but his introduction proved costly. Less than 15 minutes later, he failed to hold Pau Cubarsi’s shot, allowing Mikel Merino to score from the rebound. By then, Courtois was already on the bench in tears.
He reported to Valdebebas on 13 July, the opening day of Jose Mourinho’s pre-season, alongside the other first-team players not involved in the World Cup and those recovering from long-term injuries.
Medical examinations confirmed that the problem was only a minor injury, allowing him to begin his holiday with confidence that he would be available for the start of the La Liga season.
Return to training imminent
There had been some uncertainty over whether Courtois would need to ease himself back into training, but the goalkeeper has now dismissed those concerns.
He is expected to return to Valdebebas later this week, fully prepared to resume work with the squad after several weeks of rest.
New leadership role at Real Madrid
Courtois is now spending the final days of his holiday with his family before returning to Madrid for a season in which he will remain Real Madrid’s undisputed first-choice goalkeeper.
He will also take on greater responsibility within the squad’s leadership group. Following Dani Carvajal’s departure, Courtois moves from fourth to third in the captaincy hierarchy, with only Federico Valverde and Vinicius Jr. having greater seniority.
The Belgian has also reiterated his desire to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for several more years.
For now, Courtois’ message is simple: he is close to recovering fully and ready to begin the new season.
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
