Thibaut Courtois will get minutes against Cadiz almost nine months after his injury

Thibaut Courtois’s return to the field for Real Madrid is a momentous occasion that has been long anticipated. His absence following a serious cruciate injury affecting the meniscus during a training session on August 10 has been keenly felt by the team. Tomorrow will mark 268 days since that mishap, underscoring the resilience and determination shown by Courtois in his journey back to the field.

The return of Courtois, along with that of Militao, heralds a new chapter for Real Madrid as they approach the final stretch of the season. With Courtois’ return, head coach Carlo Ancelotti now has the option to carefully evaluate and consider the advantages and disadvantages as he navigates team selections, especially with an eye on the upcoming crucial match against Bayern in the European Cup semi-finals. This return also sets the stage for Courtois to potentially play a pivotal role in a hypothetical final on June 1, should Real Madrid emerge victorious in the forthcoming matches.

Courtois’ return was initially anticipated about a month and a half ago, only to be delayed when he tore the meniscus in his right knee during training, leading to an extension of his time away from the pitch. Despite this setback, Courtois has shown remarkable determination and dedication in his recovery, enabling him to be ready to contribute during the final stretch of the season.

While Courtois’ immediate impact on the league may not be imperative given Real Madrid’s strong position, his potential role in a Champions League final in London on the first day of June could prove to be a game-changing factor. As he steps back onto the field, all eyes will be on Courtois as he faces the real test of competition beyond the training grounds of Valdebebas. His return symbolizes not just a personal triumph but also a significant moment for the entire Real Madrid squad and their aspirations for the remainder of the season.