Injured Real Madrid superstar targets return in time for potential Champions League semi-finals | OneFootball

According to Guillermo Rai of The Athletic, Real Madrid superstar Thibaut Courtois has set a goal to return from his injury in time for the UEFA Champions League semi-finals, contingent upon his team’s success in overcoming a quarter-final first-leg deficit against Bayern Munich.

Courtois, aged 33, has been unable to participate in recent matches due to a thigh injury sustained on March 17 during the match against Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg.

The initial prognosis indicated a recovery period of at least six weeks, which came as a blow for Real Madrid, given Courtois’ importance to the team.

Courtois eyeing late April return

According to the report, Courtois is working towards being back in contention to feature in the Champions League semi-finals at the end of April, should Real Madrid reach that stage of the competition.

Currently, Los Blancos are trailing Bayern Munich in the quarter-finals, after losing the first leg 1-2 at the Santiago Bernabeu earlier this week.

Courtois wants to return by April end. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

The second leg of the quarter-final tie will take place at the Allianz Arena in Munich next Wednesday. Should they be successful in completing a turnaround against the Bavarian giants, they would face one of Liverpool or PSG in the semi-finals.

And, Courtois is aiming to make himself ready and available for that tie, to be played in the last week of April, provided Real Madrid qualify.

A return in time for the Champions League semi-finals would also ensure the Belgian international’s availability for the second El Clasico of the season against Barcelona at the Spotify Camp Nou on May 10.

Courtois has been absent from Real Madrid’s last four matches in all competitions, with Andriy Lunin serving as his replacement.

Prior to his injury last month, Courtois had played 41 games in all competitions this season for Los Blancos, maintaining 16 clean sheets, and emerging as one of their most consistent and reliable players.