Real Madrid Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois Recovering From Flu Ahead of Santander Fixture
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois says he is recovering from the flu that forced him to miss El Clásico against FC Barcelona, with the Belgian international targeting a return to action before the weekend, Walfoot.be reported. Courtois was a late scratch from manager Carlo Ancelotti’s squad on Sunday morning, leaving Ukrainian understudy Andriy Lunin to start in goal for the Spanish giants during the high-stakes fixture.
🗣️🇧🇪 Courtois habla sobre su baja en el Clásico y manda ánimos tras la tragedia con @marcosbenito9:"Ya estoy mucho mejor, todavía hay tiempo hasta el domingo". "Quiero mandar mucha fuerza a todos los afectados y sus familias". pic.twitter.com/c6g3wupMTD
While the coaching staff held out hope for an improvement in the goalkeeper’s condition as Sunday afternoon approached, the illness proved too severe for him to take the pitch. Courtois offered an update on his physical status to the Spanish television program El Chiringuito, explaining that his health has taken a positive turn.
“Ça va déjà beaucoup mieux,” Courtois said. “J’ai fait un peu de rééducation, mais il reste encore du temps avant dimanche et le match contre Santander.”
The 32-year-old shot-stopper confirmed he has already resumed light physical work with rehabilitation sessions. His immediate focus remains on regaining full fitness ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming league assignment against Racing de Santander.
Wider Sporting Disruption and Condolences Following the Urda Train Disaster
Beyond his personal fitness update, Courtois used his appearance to address a national tragedy that shook Spain earlier in the week. The devastating railway catastrophe in Urda prompted widespread mourning across the country, leading sports authorities to alter the domestic schedule.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) responded to the tragedy by postponing all 24 Copa del Rey matches that had been scheduled to take place on Wednesday. Courtois offered public support to those impacted by the disaster during his remarks to El Chiringuito.
Courtois stated that he wanted to send a lot of strength to all those affected and their families, extending solidarity to the victims’ loved ones.
The postponement of the midweek cup fixtures sets up a congested calendar for Spanish clubs once the federation announces rescheduled dates, while Real Madrid continues monitoring Courtois’s training progression ahead of Sunday’s kickoff.
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