Real Madrid handed major injury boost as key player set to return from sidelines for Leganes clash: Reports
Real Madrid have been handed a major injury boost, as key player Thibaut Courtois is set to return from the sidelines. Los Blancos will face Leganes in their La Liga clash this weekend (November 24) at the Estadio Municipal de Butarque.
They were widely expected to go with Andriy Lunin in-between the sticks, as the Ukrainian back-up goalkeeper has deputized for Courtois. This is due to the Belgian shot-stopper's injuries, which have seen him miss six games this season.
In October, Courtois suffered an adductor injury, leaving Lunin to take over in their last four matches. Lunin has done a reasonable job in the league, conceding four goals and keeping two clean sheets in three games. However, his showing in the UEFA Champions League has been subpar, with the Ukrainian conceding four in two games without keeping a clean sheet.
According to a report from MARCA (via Madrid Zone on X), Thibaut Courtois has returned to fitness and will play against Leganes. Real Madrid will be glad that their number one goalkeeper has returned, especially with Real Madrid's Champions League match against Liverpool on the horizon.
This season, Courtois has conceded 10 goals in 12 games, keeping a clean sheet in four games across all appearances.
Carlo Ancelotti hails Real Madrid president for club success; speaks about club's demands
Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti has hailed president Florentino Perez for the club's success in recent years. He spoke about Perez at the Real Madrid University School, praising his work ethic (via Tribal Football):
"The work of the president is spectacular, the club wins because of the work he has managed to do."
He also spoke about the club's difficult demands and expectations, adding:
“Real Madrid has won and continues to win a lot throughout its history because it doesn’t like to lose or draw. There are clubs that accept defeat in a different way than Madrid. This increases the demands and responsibility for the people who work at this club.”
Indeed, the Spanish giants have enjoyed remarkable success in recent years, culminating in winning La Liga and the Champions League last season. They have also enjoyed good success in the transfer window, notably signing superstar Kylian Mbappe on a free transfer.
However, this season has seen them struggle to reach their former heights. They currently sit in second place on the La Liga table, six points behind Barcelona, having lost 4-0 to their eternal rivals in front of their fans. Their continental appearances have also shown chinks in their armor, with Madrid losing to AC Milan and Lille.