Real Madrid News
Injury update: Real Madrid key star could return in April 2024 after ACL injury
After the conclusion of the pre-season with just days remaining in the La Liga campaign, Real Madrid were struck with an untimely blow to their star man in goal, Thibaut Courtois.
The Merengues officially confirmed that the Belgian had injured his Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL).
As such, due to the severity of the blow, he was compelled to undergo surgery, an operation that was initially expected to see him miss the entirety of the campaign.
When will Courtois return?
However, Fabrizio Romano has come out to provide a fresh update on the keeper’s recovery situation, claiming that it is expected that Courtois will be back in the latter part of the season, around April.
Real Madrid play their final La Liga game on the 26th of May against Real Betis; therefore, the keeper will potentially be able to feature in the closing games of the season.
Real Madrid fans will breathe a sigh of relief knowing the Belgian will be back before the culmination of the campaign.
But they will still have to bide their time and spend a considerable portion of the season without the Champions League winner, who is once again in the running to win the Yachine Trophy, as the club looks to rely on its existing options.
Real Madrid set to depend on Kepa in the meanwhile
After Thibaut Courtois tore his ACL early in the season, one of Los Blancos‘ top choices for Courtois’ replacement was Kepa Arrizabalaga.
Kepa arrived on a one-year loan deal from Chelsea to fill in for Courtois, and in the two games he has started for the Royal Whites, he has emerged victorious in both of them.
Until Courtois arrives, Kepa will be a crucial presence between the sticks for Real Madrid as he maintains his starting goalkeeper status for now, ahead of Andriy Lunin.
Real Madrid News
Bellingham on his special assist in Girona 0-3 Real Madrid: “Been watching Luka every day”
Real Madrid usurped the top spot in the La Liga standings from arch-rivals FC Barcelona as they defeated Girona 3-0 away at Estadi Montilivi.
It was a fine performance from Carlo Ancelotti’s men against Michel’s side, with the returning Jude Bellingham leading the way for his team.
After being benched against Las Palmas in midweek, the England international returned to the starting XI today and turned in yet another Man of the Match display for Real Madrid.
It all started with Joselu opening the scoring just 15 minutes into the game, with Bellingham assisting the goal with a special, outside-of-the-boot pass from the left side, bringing back memories of Luka Modric doing something similar a few years ago.
Talking about that special pass, Bellingham said: “I’ve been watching Luka every day for months. I just want to be creative. It took the pressure off us at the start.”
On the match and the result, the 20-year-old stated that it was a good day across the board for Real Madrid, as he said: “It was an important win. They were doing very well. We made a statement of intent to La Liga. Three goals, a clean sheet….”
It has been a truly remarkable start to life at Real Madrid for Bellingham and expressing how he feels to play for the Merengues, he exclaimed:
“I feel very good. I have freedom of movement and I’m enjoying football. Whenever I put on this shirt I always try to do my best.”
Apart from assisting Joselu’s opener, Bellingham also got his name on the scoresheet in the second period. Talking about his goal, the wonderkid said:
“It wasn’t a very good finish. I could have scored some more, but the important thing is the victory.”
The strike meant that Bellingham now has seven goals and two assists across all competitions for Real Madrid. Reflecting on his brilliant start, he said:
“It’s a good start, not bad. I would like to continue on this path and I won’t always score or assist, but I will always give my best.”
Bellingham’s celebration has been a huge hit, with kids in school, players from other clubs, and many others mimicking it. When asked how his special celebration originated, he replied:
“I don’t know where I first celebrated. I think it was with Birmingham. It’s an inspiration to see kids doing it in schools. It’s a wonderful thing.”
Source: AS
