Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois has been cleared to play in Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg against Arsenal, after recovering from a recent injury.
The 32-year-old Belgium international had missed Real Madrid‘s last three matches due to injury but confirmed on Monday that he is “fully fit” ahead of the highly anticipated match at the Emirates Stadium.
“I feel good and 100 percent,” Courtois said.
“It wasn’t a major issue, so I was able to train in the gym and get back on the pitch in the last few days. I’m ready for the game.”
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was forced to field 19-year-old Fran Gonzalez in goal during Saturday’s surprising 2-1 La Liga defeat to Valencia after Andriy Lunin, Courtois’ backup, also sustained an injury.
Courtois, who spent several years at Chelsea before joining Madrid in 2018, expressed his respect for Arsenal and their manager Mikel Arteta.
“Arsenal have been doing really well, challenging for the Premier League and playing attractive football with a mix of youth and experience,” Courtois said.
“They defend well, press high, and counter quickly with players who can score easily.”
Arteta, whose team has emerged as strong Premier League contenders under his leadership, called the upcoming match the biggest of his career.
Despite only winning the 2020 FA Cup during his tenure, Arteta has transformed the Gunners into a formidable force in both domestic and European football.
Ancelotti also praised Arteta’s work, calling his team “one of the most complete in Europe.”
The Italian added, “Arsenal do everything well, and Arteta has built a team that is near the top in both the Premier League and the Champions League.”
