Real Madrid focused on defending Arsenal set pieces – Courtois

Thibaut Courtois spoke ahead of the first leg of Real Madrid’s Champions League quarter-final tie against Arsenal, as he revealed that the team had focused on defending set pieces in training.

Thibaut Courtois has missed out on Real Madrid’s fixtures against Real Sociedad and Valencia after the March international break with injuries, but is now ready to return between the sticks for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final tie against Arsenal.

“I feel good. I suffered two muscle problems at the beginning of the season, nothing serious, we didn’t want to risk it,” the Belgian told reporters on the eve of the showdown. “We’ll have to ask the coach if I’ll start, but I’m ready. I’ve been in the gym and on the pitch these days. I’m ready to play.”

‘Los Blancos’ will pay a visit to the Emirates in the first leg before hosting the Gunners at the Santiago Bernabeu next week for the decider. “Arsenal are very strong at home, but we’ll try to win tomorrow. Every game, and the past, is different. We know it’s going to be tough,” the goalkeeper affirmed.

Courtois highlighted the importance that set-pieces will have in the game, revealing that the team has been training to defend against them. “We worked on defending set pieces in training yesterday. We know Arsenal are good at them. We cannot give away too many corners,” he insisted.

On Arteta’s side, the former Chelsea shot-stopper added: “We have a lot of respect for Arsenal. I know they’ve done very well in the Premier League. They have experienced players, their defense is very strong, but also their counterattack and from set pieces. They’re difficult to play against.”