Real Madrid maintains a favorable position as they approach the final stages of the 2023/24 season, holding the lead in the La Liga title race while anticipating a forthcoming Champions League quarter-final encounter against Manchester City.
Nevertheless, Carlo Ancelotti has contended with a series of injuries, fitness concerns, and suspensions throughout the course of the season. The fact that Los Blancos currently enjoy an eight-point advantage at the summit of Spain’s premier league prior to the March international break underscores Ancelotti’s adept management.
Fortunately, Ancelotti and his team can anticipate an improvement in their circumstances as they approach the critical phase of the season. This report provides an overview of the status of their injured players and the likelihood of their return following the conclusion of international fixtures.
Thibaut Courtois
What injury does Thibaut Courtois have?
Belgian goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury during a training session preceding the commencement of the previous summer’s season. Consequently, he has been sidelined for the majority of the ongoing campaign, during which Andriy Lunin has excelled, securing the starting goalkeeper position for Los Blancos in Courtois’ absence, outperforming Kepa Arrizabalaga.
A statement released by the club at the time of Courtois’ injury conveyed, “Following comprehensive examinations conducted on our player Thibaut Courtois, he has been diagnosed with a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. The player is scheduled to undergo surgical intervention in the forthcoming days.”
While the surgery was deemed successful, Courtois has remained absent from the field for 45 matches throughout the 2023/24 season. Furthermore, he has expressed skepticism regarding his participation in Euro 2024, citing complications with the national team’s management as an additional factor.
When could Thibaut Courtois return from injury?
Recent weeks have seen a shift in outlook regarding Courtois’s recovery from his ACL injury, initially expected to sideline him for the entirety of the 2023/24 season. There is now a growing sense of optimism that the former Chelsea goalkeeper may return to action before the conclusion of the campaign.
This optimism gained credence with the revelation from manager Ancelotti that both Courtois and Eder Militao have resumed training and are potentially poised for a return to competitive play following the March international break.
Ancelotti, prior to a 4-2 victory over Osasuna, remarked, “They have commenced group training this week, and we plan to utilize this break to arrange friendly matches with the youth squad. I anticipate their readiness for the upcoming fixture against Athletic Bilbao on the 31st. However, we will exercise caution and avoid undue risks. Their progress has been promising.”
The subsequent fixture for Real Madrid, after their encounter with Athletic Bilbao, is in the quarter-finals of the Champions League against Manchester City. Courtois, with his improved prognosis, may now be considered for inclusion in the squad for this crucial match.
David Alaba
What injury does David Alaba have?
David Alaba, a member of the Real Madrid football club, has become the third player from the team to suffer an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during the month of December. This occurred during a match against Villarreal, which Real Madrid won with a score of 4-1.
Following comprehensive medical examinations conducted on David Alaba, it has been confirmed that he has sustained a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee. Consequently, the player is scheduled to undergo surgical intervention in the imminent days.
Regarding the unfortunate injury, Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, expressed his dismay, stating, “The medical assessment indicates a cruciate injury. It is regrettable; we are profoundly saddened by yet another player’s setback. Encountering three ACL injuries within such a short span is unprecedented in my experience.”
Ancelotti further emphasized the team’s resilience in the face of adversity, remarking, “Our team has exhibited remarkable perseverance, surpassing expectations despite the challenges encountered. In the ensuing days, we will explore potential avenues, including the transfer market, to address the situation.”
When could David Alaba return from injury?
Contrary to the potential return of Courtois or Militao, the current prognosis does not offer any optimism regarding Alaba’s comeback before the conclusion of the season.
The combined absence of Alaba and Militao has posed challenges for Ancelotti in the central defensive position over the course of the campaign. Nevertheless, this setback has not impeded their pursuit of the La Liga championship.
Eder Militao
What injury does Eder Militao have?
Eder Militao was rendered inactive during Madrid’s inaugural La Liga encounter of the season, being substituted after 50 minutes due to an ACL injury.
Post-match, Ancelotti conceded, “It appears to be a sprained knee. The prognosis is concerning, yet we will conduct a thorough assessment in the ensuing hours. We remain hopeful that the injury is not severe, although we maintain vigilance and refrain from ruling out any possibilities.”
Subsequently, Militao has remained absent from play, with reports indicating that Madrid would seek a replacement from their youth academy. Notably, Antonio Rudiger has predominantly assumed the central defensive role in La Liga matches for Madrid, with Alaba featuring in the Spanish top flight on 14 occasions prior to his setback.
Club captain Nacho Fernandez has garnered substantial playing time, while Aurelien Tchouameni and Dani Carvajal have also deputized in various capacities.
When could Eder Militao return from injury?
In line with Courtois’s potential availability, Militao may also be poised to participate in the forthcoming encounter against Athletic Club at the conclusion of the month, contingent upon his maintenance of physical fitness throughout the remaining days of March. Such readiness could extend his eligibility for selection in the initial fixture against Manchester City. However, Ancelotti may exercise discretion in including the Brazilian defender in the lineup against the reigning treble champions, should he exhibit signs of insufficient match readiness.
Joselu
What injury does Joselu have?
Experienced forward Joselu has emerged as a judicious inclusion in Madrid’s roster this season, demonstrating his efficacy by securing 14 goals across various competitions thus far in the 2023/24 campaign.
Nevertheless, he encountered an impediment in the form of illness prior to their encounter with Osasuna preceding the international hiatus.
A communiqué issued by Madrid stated: “Joselu will not be participating this afternoon in the fixture between Real Madrid and Osasuna, marking matchday 29 of the League. The striker has been sidelined at short notice due to an instance of gastroenteritis.”
When could Joselu return from injury?
Gastroenteritis, though unpleasant, has not deterred Joselu’s potential inclusion in the Spanish national team, as he has been listed in Luis de la Fuente’s La Roja squad for March. Absent any unforeseen complications, he is expected to recuperate sufficiently to participate in the upcoming match against Athletic Club.
Dani Ceballos
What injury does Dani Ceballos have?
Dani Ceballos, having completed two loan spells with Arsenal, has predominantly assumed a peripheral role within the Real Madrid squad subsequent to his return. Nonetheless, during the 2022/23 season, he amassed a total of 46 appearances across various competitions. Despite the profusion of talent within Carlo Ancelotti’s midfield selection, Ceballos’ involvement has been limited, featuring in merely one league fixture this season. Furthermore, his absence during the Pamplona fixture was attributed to a purported knee injury, rendering the Spain international unavailable for selection.
When could Dani Ceballos return from injury?
Ceballos, who inked a fresh four-year deal with Madrid in the preceding year, finds himself among the squad members with the least La Liga playing time in the ongoing 2023/24 season, surpassed only by newcomer Arda Guler. Although anticipated to return to full fitness following the international break, his prospects for consistent match participation remain dim amid stiff competition from teammates including Tchouameni, Federico Valverde, Toni Kroos, Eduardo Camavinga, Luka Modric, and Jude Bellingham, all vying for playing opportunities.