Carlo Ancelotti has revealed when Real Madrid fans can expect Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao to return to action, after their ACL injury lay-off.
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Courtois & Militao following individual training routines Could be back in action by mid-April Should be ready to face Barcelona in El Clasico (C)Getty ImagesWHAT HAPPENED?
Courtois and Eder Militao, who have been sidelined for the past six months due to anterior cruciate ligament injuries picked up in the initial phase of the campaign. Both players have been following a tailor-made training schedule and Ancelotti indicated that the duo could be approximately six weeks away from returning to action, offering a potential boost for Real Madrid in the crucial final phase of the season as they vie for La Liga and Champions League honours.
AdvertisementWHAT ANCELOTTI SAID
Speaking to reporters, Ancelotti informed: "The date is not defined. But we have to take advantage of the national team break and then the mini-break of the Copa del Rey. At that time they will do tasks with the team. After April 14th, after Mallorca, they could be there.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
The timing of their return aligns with pivotal matches on Real Madrid's calendar, including the highly anticipated El Clasico clash against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu on April 21. Additionally, if Real Madrid progress in the Champions League, Courtois and Militao could feature in the all-important second leg of the quarter-final tie – which are slated to be held on April 16/17.
GettyWHAT NEXT?
Real Madrid have got a shot in their arm before facing Valencia on Saturday as Dani Carvajal, Eduardo Camavinga, and Jude Bellingham are back in contention. Los Blancos have opened up a six-point lead at the top of the Liga table and another victory at Mestalla will put the onus on Barcelona and Girona to churn out a win when they take the pitch a day later on Sunday against Athletic Club and Mallorca respectively.