Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admits he was not sure if he would be able to return for the Champions League final.
The Belgian stopper suffered an ACL injury before the 2023-24 season had even begun but after nine months of hard work, he is finally back to full fitness.
Videos have been released of the 32-year-old screaming in pain at Madrid’s training ground after landing awkwardly and it was described by his team-mates as ‘unlike anything they had ever heard.’
The day after the incident, Courtois set out on a journey to make it back before the season was over.
He may have missed most of his club’s run to the LaLiga title, but he is set to start in the final at Wembley on Saturday.
It comes despite the keeper tearing a ligament in his other knee as well, hitting him with a setback and emerging fears that his campaign was over.
🧱 #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/bwziHDSA9e
— Thibaut Courtois (@thibautcourtois) May 29, 2024
But he has already managed to play four times since the injury back in August, starting with a game against Cadiz on 4 May.
Speaking to The Guardian, he said: “With the first injury, I knew I would be able to play by May. With the second, I was not so sure I would get a game.
“In the end, there have been four of them and I feel very good, I’m a very happy man.
“My personal victory is having played those four and being available for the final.”
Courtois again started on the final day of the season against Real Betis and before that against Alaves.
He was much busier in goal than he would have hoped, but later admitted he needed to face some serious shots to see where his legs were at.
Thankfully, he has come through the other side and will have the opportunity to lift his second Champions League trophy, if Madrid can beat Borussia Dortmund.
He added: “Two or three months ago I couldn’t have imagined it, but I’m 100% and at the manager’s disposal, here to help the team.
“When you get injured you always have to prove on the pitch that you’re the same as before, and you have to work hard for that.
“We’ve done that. Now I’m happy, quick, moving well. I’m training well, I feel good. There’s no doubt.”
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There is every chance that Courtois can become a hero this weekend and win his side the match, similar to their last triumph in the final.
The Europa Conference League came close to penalties on Wednesday and historically there are never too many goals let in when the final two meet.
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