Courtois ready for Atletico showdown despite injury fear

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Thibaut Courtois missed Sunday’s La Liga game against Rayo Vallecano due to “a minor issue,” but assured that it will not prevent him from being available for Wednesday’s Champions League match against Atletico Madrid.

Ancelotti revealed on Sunday that the Belgian goalkeeper’s absence from the squad for Sunday’s match against Rayo Vallecano was due to “a minor issue” and not a rotation decision, but the Italian coach confirmed that Courtois will be fit for Wednesday’s Champions League encounter against Atletico Madrid.

Looking ahead to the second leg of the last-16 clash in the Champions League, the Real Madrid boss also confirmed that Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao and Dani Ceballos will all miss the match, but Courtois, whose injury has not been detailed by the club, and Antonio Rudiger, who missed the Rayo match due to flu, will be ready in time.

“Bellingham is back in good condition, Courtois has a minor issue and he will recover quickly for Wednesday’s match, and we will also get Rudiger back from the flu,” Ancelotti said.

Jude Bellingham finished the La Liga match against Rayo on his return after a two-match suspension with a “knock” to his right thigh, “but nothing serious,” according to the Madrid boss.

Additionally, Vinicius suffered a minor injury to his right toe, while Rodrygo was left with a bruised left-hand finger after a stamp.